Tonja Myles is a nationally recognized mental health advocate, peer recovery specialist, ordained minister, and community activist dedicated to improving mental health care, substance use disorder, and trauma-informed services. With over 25 years of experience, she has led groundbreaking initiatives addressing mental health awareness, substance abuse prevention, and faith-based recovery programs. As the Senior Advisor, Public Policy, Corporate Partnerships, & Community Engagement, she advises within the larger Huntsman Mental Health Foundation. Tonja is a critical component to the continued growth and impact of the Huntsman Mental Health Institute as it furthers the stated mission of becoming the first and most recognized mental health institution in the United States.

Tonja founded and led Set Free Indeed Ministry, which established Louisiana’s first licensed faith-based intensive outpatient addiction treatment center. Under her leadership, Set Free has provided thousands of individuals with intensive outpatient treatment, peer mentoring, and wrap around services. She developed programs for peer support specialists and has successfully partnered with community-based organizations, businesses, faith-based organizations, law enforcement, and judicial systems to implement effective reentry programs and reduce recidivism.

Her work extends beyond direct services into advocacy at the highest levels. Tonja has testified before Congress on mental health and substance use disorder policy reform, worked alongside federal agencies to address the opioid crisis, and led national campaigns raising awareness about fentanyl overdoses, suicide prevention, and crisis intervention. She was recognized by President George W. Bush in the 2003 State of the Union Address for her pioneering work in faith-based addiction recovery and community rehabilitation. Tonja went on to work in an advisory role for George W. Bush administration White House Faith-Based Office Access to Recovery Initiative.