Tonya Van Beber
Tonya Van Beber Biography
Tonya Van Beber, former Colorado House Representative (House District 48), is a third-generation native of Colorado and Weld County who grew up on a farm in northern Weld County. Living in the Eaton, Evans, and Greeley areas of the county, she has experienced and is familiar with the various concerns and challenges from one of the largest and fastest-growing counties in the state. These life experiences have been instrumental in advocating for agriculture/ranching, education, and business development.
Education and Early Career
As a 1989 graduate of Eaton High School, Tonya received her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Social Sciences/Psychology. She then spent the next 10 years at the Greeley Tribune as a District Manager and as the Newspapers in Education Coordinator/Marketing Manager. From there, she owned and published two direct mail newspapers in Weld and Larimer counties.
Teaching Career
For 17 years, Tonya taught World and American History, Leadership, and 7 Habits for Highly Effective Teens at University Schools. In addition, she provided educational consulting to schools around the nation and offered instructional coaching for educators. Tonya received her Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Regis University in Denver in 2013.
Political Career
As a graduate of the Leadership Program of the Rockies in 2018 and an involved community member in Weld County and the state of Colorado, Tonya held a position on the Weld County Council as an At-Large elected official, having been elected in November 2018.
As a former House Representative for House District 48, she served on the following committees:
Energy & Environment
Health & Insurance
Interim Behavioral Health
Early Childhood & School Readiness
Commission on Higher Education
Business & Labor Affairs
Transportation and Local Government Affairs
She also served as the Co-Chair of the Children's Caucus.
Advocacy and Community Involvement
As a mother, former host family member, and foster parent over the last two decades, her efforts as an educator and Representative for House District 48 in Colorado have illuminated her advocacy and success in protecting school choice, foster care and adoption, constitutional rights, and academic excellence. These issues have been a focal point in her family, inside and outside of the classroom and the state capitol.
Tonya has volunteered with various community organizations, schools, and political groups that focus on America's founding principles and how they can be applied to the challenges that communities face today. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Foster Source, a Colorado non-profit, and the National Foster Parent Association.
Awards and Recognition
Leaders to Watch Award in Weld County
Family, Faith & Freedom award from the Centennial Institute (both years in office)
Common Sense in the Courtroom award from the Colorado Civil Justice League
National Legislator of the Year 2022 from the EMP Task Force on National and Homeland Security
Personal Life
Tonya and her husband Jeff have owned and operated Quality Excavating, based in Eaton, for the last two decades. Tonya has always resided in rural Weld County in the Eaton/Severance area.
