Wife, Mother, Author, Family Doctor (ret.)

Dr. Tonya Coats

Born and raised in Chicago, Dr. Tonya Coats is formerly trained in Family Medicine. After choosing to retire and take care of her family, she found a new passion in storytelling. 

A physician, author, and two-time third degree black belt, Dr. Tonya is currently in postproduction of a documentary film that spotlights women in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond who are redefining strength, safety, vitality, and confidence through martial arts.

Tonya has published creative essays in anthologies and major journals while writing  a novel, Double Stranded, that she plans on publishing in 2027.

Writing about African-Americans living as they are and not as some people believe they are, Tonya is influenced by her study of ancestry and family interactions.

Excerpts from her writing can be found in current and upcoming blog posts, TLC Thursdays.