Tanya Thompson, MPA, CPM
Tanya Thompson, MPA, CPM, is an accomplished Executive and Leadership Coach based in Napa, California, with over 25 years of experience navigating high-stakes, regulated environments. She specializes in helping senior executive women overcome institutional betrayal, reclaim their authority, and lead with integrity. Tanya’s work combines strategic leadership guidance, emotional resilience coaching, and practical tools to help leaders maintain clarity and effectiveness under systemic pressure. As the founder of Level Up Coaching.info, she has built a practice that empowers clients to transform workplace adversity into professional strength and long-term impact.
Before launching her coaching practice, Tanya held influential roles in public-sector and nonprofit leadership, including managing multi-million-dollar grant portfolios and overseeing complex programs in California and Nevada. She served as a Field Representative for the Board of State and Community Corrections, managed the Adult Reentry Grant Project, and led a successful parole board revamp in Nevada that was adopted statewide. These roles provided her with a deep understanding of organizational dynamics, compliance, and systemic challenges—experience that now informs her strategic coaching approach.
Outside of her professional work, Tanya is a certified yoga instructor and avid traveler, deeply committed to personal growth and wellness. She enjoys rollerblading, running a self-help book club, and spending time with her family, including her two sons. Tanya integrates these personal experiences into her coaching philosophy, emphasizing self-care, resilience, and authenticity as essential components of effective leadership. Her approach blends strategy, empathy, and accountability, creating an environment where leaders can thrive even in complex and hostile organizational contexts.
• MPA – Master of Public Administration
• Southern New Hampshire University – MPA, Master of Public Administration
• International Coaching Federation
• Runs a self-help book club
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to over 25 years of experience working in high-stakes, regulated environments where I learned to navigate complex organizational systems, balance accountability, and lead with integrity. Living and learning in these challenging contexts has shaped my ability to guide others through similar pressures.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering this field to trust their instincts, stand firmly in their truth, and own it with confidence. Your perspective and authority matter—never underestimate the value of your voice.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is helping leaders operate effectively in systems that may be toxic or unsupportive while maintaining their authority and well-being. The opportunity lies in empowering leaders to turn these difficult experiences into sources of strength and strategic advantage.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, resilience, and authenticity are central to my work and personal life. I also prioritize emotional regulation, self-care, and creating safe spaces for others to reclaim their authority and lead effectively.