OUR FAMILY OF COACHES

Tom has been active in strength, conditioning, and fitness for over 20 years with an extensive background in performance enhancement, emphasizing sports performance, injury prevention, athlete development, human movement, and Olympic weightlifting. His experience includes the Director of Sports Performance at St. Ignatius High School, the Owner of A.I.M. Personal Training, the International Performance Institute at the I.M.G. Academies, and head Olympic Coach at Black Flag CrossFit. He is currently the C.E.O. & Co-Owner of Black Flag Athletics in Avon.

Throughout his career, Tom has had the distinct pleasure of training numerous state and national champions and Collegiate and Professional Athletes. 

His Credentials Include:  Bachelor of Arts degree in Exercise Science with a concentration in Fitness Specialties, Masters’ Degree in Education (concentration in Health & Physical Education), both from John Carroll University. Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist by the National Strength & Conditioning Association, Certified CrossFit Level 3 Coach, certified Fitness Specialist, Biomechanics Specialist, and is a U.S.A. Weightlifting Club Coach.

Peter Nelson II is a husband, father, entrepreneur, and athlete.  He has been in the strength & conditioning field for 10+ years with a large background in ultra-running, CrossFit, and sports performance.  His experience includes being Director of Programming at Black Flag Athletics for 5+ years, he has coached hundreds of people of all ability levels, and is a frequent speaker for health & wellness related events.  Currently, Peter is the C.O.O., Co-Owner of Black Flag Athletics, and Co-Owner of SISU Lifestyle (a barrel sauna company). 

His Credentials Include:

Biomechanics Specialist (NESTA), Fascial Stretch Therapist (Stretch2WIn), Specialist in Fitness Nutrition, CrossFit L1, United States Weightlifting L1, and is Functional Movement Screen certified.

Jim Leuenberger is a health and fitness professional dedicating his full attention to helping others achieve their goals. As a Level 2 CrossFit Coach, USA Weightlifting Coach, and Precision Nutrition Coach, he possesses the skills necessary for not only helping you improve your overall health but also unlocking your true athletic potential.

Jim is the Head Coach of the Black Flag COMPETE program which is home to the fittest athletes in Northeast Ohio. The program is designed for athletes wanting to compete in the sport of competitive fitness and for those looking to take their fitness to the next level. He himself has experience training with the fittest athletes in the world along with competing in major fitness competitions across the country.

Jim fosters a positive and fun training environment to help you overcome perceived limitations and reach your goals whether that be to lose weight, build muscle, or compete at the highest levels of the sport. His mindset revolves around education, support, and constant encouragement.

Mandi has been involved with functional fitness/Crossfit training for over 10 years. She holds Crossfit Level 1, Crossfit Strongman, and Crossfit Mobility certifications. Her passion is helping others grow and achieve their goals, inside and outside of the gym.

My fitness journey began when I was eight years old with gymnastics. It was a formative aspect of my childhood and I was fortunate enough to compete on the collegiate stage. In conjunction with competing for 12 years, I also spent 8 years coaching gymnastics at various levels.

After “retiring” and a few years of muddling through workouts on my own, I found CrossFit. I have been a competitive Crossfit athlete for the last five years. I have been able to represent Black Flag Compete at competitions such as Granite Games, Wodapalooza, and the West Coast Classic.

I am so excited to be a part of the Black Flag Athletics coaching team. They have been instrumental to my growth over the last few years, and I am hoping to be able to provide a similar experience to other members of the Black Flag Community. This place has become home and these people are like family.

I am a wife and mother of 3 teenagers. I manage a corporate career by day and thrive on everything health-related in my spare time.
I grew up an athlete, playing multiple HS sports and collegiate volleyball. My competitive nature is my greatest strength and defines me. I love that there’s always something I can improve, and being the healthiest I can be – while remaining sane and enjoying life – is my ever-evolving goal. I’m an early morning person who can’t live without a good (clean) pre-workout. I listen to country music in my car and Eminem in my home gym.

Over the years of my fitness journey, I found I have an even greater passion for helping others achieve their goals and improve their wellbeing. I have my CrossFit L2 and CrossFit Kids coaching certifications and am studying to become a Certified Functional Nutrition and Lifestyle Practitioner. My goal as a coach is to support your goals – to make you better – and ensure the hour your spend at BFA is the best of your day.

Amy has coached fitness classes since 2017. She received her CrossFit L-1 certification in 2018 and USA Weightlifting certification in 2019.

Amy is married to Michael Emery and they have two daughters. Amy and Michel both enjoy doing CrossFit and have been participating since 2013.

I love encouraging people along their fitness journeys. Watching people make the commitment to show up to the gym, work hard, and be part of a fitness family is rewarding.

Since being at Black Flag Athletics my husband and I have loved the excellent coaching, the dedication of the staff to truly being invested in their members well being and fitness goals as well as the community atmosphere.

Amy also enjoys spending time with friends, family, and traveling.