Her Story
About La Tonya
LaTonya Crosby is the founder of Trauma Recovery University and the nonprofit Unmuted Unleashed, organizations dedicated to helping individuals, schools, businesses, healthcare systems, and faith-based organizations recognize, respond to, and recover from trauma. Based in Orlando, Florida, she has spent more than 13 years advancing trauma-informed education through keynote speaking, counseling, crisis response, leadership development, and organizational training. Known professionally as "The Traumatologist," Dr. Crosby equips leaders with practical strategies that foster resilience, strengthen workplace and school cultures, and create environments where healing and high performance can coexist. Her signature programs, including The Invisible Backpack™ and Sports Doesn't Heal Trauma™, challenge organizations to look beyond behavior and understand the experiences that shape it.
Dr. Crosby's professional journey is rooted in both lived experience and extensive service. A former New York City 911 paramedic and rescue medic, she later became a licensed paramedic, board-certified Christian counselor, minister of the gospel, crisis counselor, and victim advocate, serving survivors during some of life's most difficult moments. Her educational path reflects extraordinary perseverance—from leaving high school before graduation to earning her GED in 2008, completing her bachelor's degree, and receiving an honorary doctorate from Incaway Christian Academy. Throughout her career, she has been recognized with numerous honors, including citations from every borough of New York, 11 government commendations from mayors and council members, and multiple awards recognizing lifesaving achievements during her paramedic service, including return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) outcomes.
At the heart of Dr. Crosby's mission is a deep commitment to helping others heal from trauma while empowering them to reclaim their voices and purpose. She attributes her success to her own healing journey and to the determination to build a better future for her daughters, ensuring they never endure the hardships she experienced. Through Unmuted Unleashed, she creates safe spaces where survivors can speak openly, recover, and thrive. She encourages the next generation of women leaders to be bold, embrace what makes them different, remain authentic, and collaborate rather than compete. Guided by faith, compassion, and service, Dr. Crosby continues to transform lives by demonstrating that healing is not only possible—it is the foundation for stronger leaders, healthier organizations, and more resilient communities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with La Tonya
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to healing from personal trauma and using those experiences as motivation to create a better future for my family. My greatest drive has always been ensuring that my daughters have opportunities and experiences that are different from the challenges I faced, while using my journey to positively impact others.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to dare to be different. I’ve learned the importance of identifying what sets me apart, understanding my unique strengths, and staying within my scope of expertise. I also believe in supporting others rather than competing with them, recognizing that collaboration and thoughtful referrals benefit everyone.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be bold and dare to be different. Embrace what makes you unique, continue learning, and have the confidence to bring your authentic perspective to your work. Your individuality is one of your greatest strengths.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Authenticity is the value that guides both my professional and personal life. I believe that genuine intent and integrity are far more important than financial gain. When you lead with authenticity, people recognize the value you bring, and no one can replicate the unique perspective and purpose you offer.
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