Partner Spotlight ~ Tonya Reeves-Baker, Child Protective Services
Tonya began her career with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services in November of 2013. She works with the CPI Unit (Child Protective Investigations) as an Investigator. Tonya has always been a strong advocate for children and protecting the unprotected. Tonya’s belief is that children do not ask to be born into this world; however, when they are, they deserve to be loved, protected, and provided for. Tonya is passionate about helping to keep children safe and educating families; as well as providing permanency for children. Prior to her employment with the State of Texas, she worked as Lead Teller at Wells Fargo Bank. During her Banking career, she enjoyed her customer service duties and working with the public. This line of work gave her the opportunity to see people dealing with all different circumstances in life. Tonya recalls rejoicing with her customers who had great news to share with her and sympathizing with those customers who had fallen upon unfortunate circumstances in life. In 2011 Tonya married her High school sweetheart (Jonathan Baker). Tonya has one daughter (LaToya) and one grandchild (Harmonie), who captures her heart daily. Being a woman of Faith, Tonya prayed and asked God to use her in a capacity that would be of greater help to others. Her prayers led her to furthering her education and in 2012, she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Management with a minor in Human Resources. Tonya enjoys spending time with her 6-year-old granddaughter, Harmonie. Tonya laughingly shares that Ever since Harmonie was 2 years old, she has loved the Sausage Mc Griddles from McDonald’s. Tonya states that Harmonie has called them “sausage burgers” ever since she could talk. Tonya remembers going to McDonald’s and placing an order for a “sausage burger” and the cashier gave her the craziest look. She states that it took her a minute to even realize what she had said wrong in placing her order and didn’t understand why the cashier could not understand her order. Tonya enjoys Cooking, entertaining, and laughing with family and friends. Tonya states that at her church, she works with the Pastor’s Aid committee, the hospitality committee, and she also caters events in her free time.
One of Tonya’s favorite quotes is by Erma Bombeck, which states “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, I used everything God gave me”.
Q. What chore do you absolutely hate doing?
A. Pumping gas
Q. What job do you think you’d be really good at?
A. Organizational Development & Training geared towards Social Work
Q. What’s your claim to fame?
A. The Golden Rule - doing unto others as I would have them do unto me
Q. What is the most heartwarming thing you’ve ever seen?
A. A family reunited and doing well after being detached and getting the necessary help needed from an agency and/or service provider
Q. What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives?
A. Work retail during the holidays.