Tanya began dancing at 8 years old with Wenatchee Civic Ballet in Washington. During high school, she danced with the school’s dance team. After graduating, she attended Brigham Young University where she continued to take classes and dance with their Ballet Showcase Company. In the winter of 2002, she had the opportunity to dance in the paralympic opening ceremonies as part of the Salt Lake Winter games. Tanya lives in Richmond with her husband and 5 children.