Why We Built PEAK-topia
We’re Jenn Pontello and DJ Thompson. We started PEAK-topia so real people—women in midlife and youth athletes—could train in a place that feels safe, focused, and human. The work is simple: meet you where you are, coach what matters, and celebrate progress that lasts.
Our Story
DJ’s path was through Division I basketball at Appalachian State, where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame, then a decade of professional play overseas. When his playing days ended, he shifted into coaching athletes in movement, strength, and mindset.
Jenn spent 28 years in corporate leadership working in accounting and human resources. She led wellness programs, noticed patterns and chronic health issues, and realized most fitness options weren't built for the people who needed them the most, especially women in midlife. She made the leap in 2014 from HR to fitness, and now leads our adult training programs and operations.
Together, we built PEAK-topia to be more than a gym. It’s a place where women rediscover their strength, and where athletes gain skills and confidence that carry into every part of life.
Watch our story here:
What We Believe
Presence over perfection. Progress over performance.
You are not broken—your body has been protecting you. We teach it a better way.
We keep things simple, safe, and supportive, because that’s how real progress happens.
How We Coach Adults
We keep group training small, safe, and supportive. Sessions are designed to help women 35+ feel stronger, slimmer, and more confident, with workouts that fit their real lives.
You’ll be coached with care, adjusted for pain or past injuries, and encouraged every step of the way.
How We Coach Athletes
DJ coaches middle and high school athletes in basketball and performance. Skills, strength, speed, and mindset come together in training that builds confidence on and off the court. It’s not just about games—it’s about becoming resilient, capable, and focused.
Our Credentials
Jenn Pontello
Certified Functional Strength Coach (CFSC)
Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT)
Functional Movement Systems Specialist (FMS)
Postural Restoration for Fitness
Certified Online Trainer
Bootcamp Instructor
Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
DJ Thompson
Certified Functional Strength Coach (CFSC)
Postural Restoration for Fitness
Former Division I & Professional Basketball Player (Hall of Fame, Appalachian State)
10 Years Professional Play in France, Turkey, Poland, Greece
Why PEAK-topia Works
No crowded rooms. No pressure. Just coaches who know your name, programs that fit your life, and a community that feels like home.
Our Promise
Show up for 28 days. Follow the plan. If you don’t feel stronger, more confident, and better supported, we’ll give you a full refund. That’s our promise.
A Note From Us
We built PEAK-topia for people who want progress without the noise. If that’s you, come try a week on us. See how good it feels to train in a space that was built for you.
Meet the Team
Tina Snipes
Team Training Instructor | Small Group Personal Trainer
Credentials
NASM-CPT
• IFTA Spin
• BS in Zoology
Her Story
Tina transitioned from the pharmaceutical trial industry to fitness after raising her kids, earning her NASM certification in 2019.
Her Contributions
Known as the “cardio queen,” Tina brings spunk, creativity, and versatility, coaching classes and supporting everything from marketing to gym design.
Kim Boyd
Team Training Instructor
Credentials
BS in Elementary Education
Her Story
A born-and-raised North Carolinian, Kim has been with PEAK since 2014 as one of its very first clients. She fell in love with weight training and group fitness, building her own strength along the way.
Her Contributions
Kim embodies PEAK’s family atmosphere. She knows the philosophy from the inside and brings warmth, fun, and loyalty to every class.
Nidaa Hossenlopp
Team Training Instructor
Credentials
ISSA Personal Trainer
• Elite Trainer
• Nutritionist
• CPR Certified
• Masters in Management
• BA in Philosophy
Her Story
Nidaa’s journey began after her first child, turning personal transformation into a passion for helping other mothers build strength and confidence.
Her Contributions
Nidaa leads fiery, motivating classes, especially barbell training. Her passion for empowering moms shines through in every session.
Renata Easter
Team Training Instructor
Credentials
Certified Small Group
• Boot Camp
• Gym Management
Her Story
Raised in West Virginia, Renata has lived in NC since 1999. With 36 years as a hairdresser, she’s always had a passion for fitness and grew up in an active family.
Her Contributions
Renata brings dance, rhythm, and energy to PEAK. Her classes feel like a celebration, filled with movement, music, and contagious enthusiasm.
Carissa White
Yoga Instructor
Her Story
Carissa is an educator, artist, and mom of two with 350+ hours of yoga training and massage therapy experience. She blends movement, breath, and awareness to create grounded experiences.
Her Contributions
Carissa brings her deep expertise in education, wellness, and leadership to create a nurturing and inclusive space for growth. She integrates her somatic awareness, yoga training, and massage therapy knowledge to help individuals connect with their bodies and minds. Her ability to balance structure allows her to guide others in both personal and collective growth.
About Us
PEAK-topia is more than a gym — it’s a community. We help women 35+ feel strong and confident again, and youth basketball athletes gain skills and resilience for life.
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Contact Info
Jenn & DJ — Partners, PEAK-topia
1500 Townside Drive, Unit 103, Apex, NC
919-888-4558
Instagram: @getyourpeakon