The woman behind Shape-It
Meet Mitzi
Hightower-Teel
Educator. Athlete. Coach. Mentor. Trenton Proud.
A proud Trenton native, lifelong athlete, educator, fitness professional, and community leader, Mitzi Hightower-Teel has spent more than four decades helping people move, grow, and live stronger.
For Mitzi, fitness has never been only about exercise. It is about building strength for your body, mind, heart, and soul.
Explore Mitzi's Journey
What shaped her journey
A Life Built on Movement
Experience
Fit + Faith
Motivation
Body + Soul
Rooted in Trenton
Where the Journey Began
Mitzi was born and raised in Trenton, New Jersey, and attended Robbins Elementary School, Junior #2, now known as Hedgepeth Williams Intermediate School, and Trenton Central High School.
It was during her middle school years that she discovered how much she loved athletics, training, and movement. She loved the discipline, energy, teamwork, and the feeling of discovering what her body could do.
In 1974, she entered Trenton Central High School and earned a place at the top of the JV cheerleading list as Captain. She later joined the varsity squad and served as Varsity Captain during her senior year.
What shaped her journey
A Life Built on Movement
Experience
More than four decades of education, coaching, fitness and leadership.
Fit + Faith
Movement grounded in faith, discipline, purpose and joy.
Motivation
Helping people believe in their strength and keep moving forward.
Body + Soul
A total body philosophy centered on the body, mind, heart and soul.
Elizabeth City State University
Athlete. Leader. Viking.
From 1976 to 1980, Mitzi continued her athletic journey at Elizabeth City State University, where she cheered for four years and served as Captain, ran track for four years and served as Captain for two, and participated with the ECSU Gymnastics Team.
She placed 7th among 26 runners in the CIAA Tournament 800 yard run, became a member of Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc., and was elected 1979 Miss Swing Phi Swing.
Her leadership and impact as a cheerleader were honored decades later when she was inducted into the Elizabeth City State University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2025 for Cheer. In 2026, Mitzi was elected President of the NJ Zuri Obinrin Abike Aye Graduate Chapter of Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc., continuing her longstanding commitment to sisterhood, service, and leadership.
Mitzi earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Health and later completed a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration with Principal Licensure.
From roots to impact
37 Years of Educating & Inspiring
Mitzi's love for young people became the heart of a remarkable 37 year career as an educator at Dunn Middle School.
She served as Head Cheerleading Coach, Girls and Boys Track Coach, established the Dunn Dance Group and Modeling Team, and coached an award-winning Double Dutch Team.
For generations of Trenton students, Mitzi was more than a teacher. She was a coach, motivator, mentor and role model.
A lifetime of leadership
And she's still moving
40+ Years of Fitness
Shape-It by Mitzi is a total body fitness experience built around movement, confidence, community, and strengthening the body, mind, heart and soul.
Funky Step
High energy movement with rhythm, cardio and personality.
Dance + Praise
Faith, music and movement brought together in one joyful experience.
Pump With Funk
Resistance work and total body movement with Mitzi's signature energy.
Chair Fitness
Accessible movement that proves fitness can meet you where you are.
From Trenton to national stages
Mitzi Has Been Moving Everywhere
Dr. Oz Show
Guest exercise instructor on national television.
Kelly & Michael
Featured Trivia Dancer on live national television.
Festival at Sea
Nine years as a Praise Dancer and fashion show model.
McCarter Theatre
Cast member in the 2019 production of A Christmas Carol.
A lifetime of recognition
Celebrated for Service & Impact
Governor's Teacher of the Year
Trenton High School Athletic Hall of Fame
City of Trenton Black Image Award for Performing Arts
Zeta Phi Beta Woman of the Year
Athletic Hall of Fame Honoree
Elizabeth City State University Athletics Hall of Fame — Cheer
President, NJ Zuri Obinrin Abike Aye Graduate Chapter, Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc.
Faith. Service. Community.
A Life Grounded in Purpose
Mitzi's life and work are deeply rooted in faith and service. She is an active member of Shiloh Baptist Church, the Church on the Hill, and continues to serve through ministry, leadership and community engagement.
- Director of Liturgical Praise Dance Ministry
- Communications
- Trustee Aide Ministry
- Women's Council
- Hospitality Ministry
- Official Joint & Executive Board
Mitzi is also a board member of Dream Makers Dance Studios and an active member of the NJ Zuri Graduate Chapter of Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc.
“ In Him I live, and move, and have my being. ”Acts 17:28
And she's still moving
Come Move
With Mitzi.
No matter your age, fitness level, or starting point, there’s a place for you at Shape-It by Mitzi. Join a class, explore your options, and find a welcoming space to move with purpose.
