WHO WE ARE

Get to know our staff, and see what makes ELP Different

OUR TEAM

our resume

Our team has a combined 44 years of experience in the strength & conditioning, fitness and athletic industries. As of 2026, ELP has been open in the Collierville market for 15 years. We have been blessed to work with thousands of athletes and clients over the years and develop partnerships with other businesses and healthcare providers both locally and nationally. We are very grateful for the many years we’ve been able to serve our community and look forward to the opportunity to get to know you and your family!

EXPERIENCE/ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Olympic Gold Medal (Rio 2017) ; 3 World Championship Gold Medals; 2 World Championship Bronze Medals; Multiple MLB All-Star Selections; MLB Silver Slugger Award Winner; Multiple MLB Draft Picks (11+) ; Senior PGA Tour US Open Winner; Top 10 World Ranked PPA Tour Players (Pickleball); 2 IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding) Pro Cards; Multiple HS Baseball Gatorade Players of Year (3); More than 170 + Division 1 scholarship offers & over 350+ total scholarships.

  • Other notables include:

    • Work with multiple NBA, NFL, MLB athletes, multiple All American High School Football Players, and other athletes from different sports worldwide.

JOHN NELSON

Founder/Director of ELP

I’m John Nelson, Founder/Director of Elite Level Performance (ELP). I’m a follower of Christ, husband and step-father, and have been blessed with over 15 years of serving the Mid South community. As a former athlete from the Mid South area, I understand the demands of sport and the intangible elements an athlete must have to compete at the highest level.

After my playing days were over and I was nearing the completion of graduate school, I had the unique opportunity to travel and learn under some of the greatest minds in sport performance, rehabilitation and functional neurology. Seeing the results these athletes/patients were getting was truly a life changing experience for me and I made it my mission to bring that level of service to the Mid South community.

I’m an avid learner and have spent the better part of nearly two decades studying, researching and learning and continue to make this a regular part of my life in order to provide as much value to our clients and community as I possibly can.

If you follow me (or ELP) on social media, you’ll see that I use the hashtag #elpfamily. I use this hashtag because that is truly was ELP is all about. ELP was built by our family, for your family. We are here to meet you where you are, help you in any way that we can, and if by chance we can’t help you, we’ll find someone that can!

In addition to ELP, I also serve as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Rossville Christian Academy, and am involved with my church, Rossville Baptist.

I appreciate you taking the time to learn more about us, and look forward to the opportunity to work with you and your family.

From our family to yours,

Welome to ELP #elpfamily.

education:

  • Masters Degree in Health & Sport Science w/ an emphasis in Sport Commerce.

  • Bachelors Degree in Health & Sport Science w/ an emphasis in Sport Management.

  • NeuFit Level 1 & 2 Certified Specialist

  • NeuFit Sport Performance Specialist

  • Certified NeuroTarget Practitioner

  • Certified Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist

  • Certified Functional Range Assessment Specialist

  • GOATA Institute Certified Coach

  • National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Corrective Exercise Specialist

  • National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer

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MANDY nelson, CNHP CES CPT

Natural Health Practitioner, Personal Trainer, Board Certified Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

Mandy joined ELP in 2012 after 26 years in the health & fitness industry. Mandy has a degree in Computer Engineering from Georgia Tech, is a Board Certified Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, Certified Natural Health Practitioner, NeuFit Level 1 Certified Practitioner, National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer and Corrective Exercise Specialist.Mandy completed her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree and board certification from Trinity School of Natural Health in August of 2017. Mandy has successfully trained and guided hundreds of clients in their journey to total body health and continues to blend the benefits of natural health into all components of ELP.

In addition to her work at ELP, Mandy serves as a part time Biology Teacher at Rossville Christian Academy in Rossville, TN and is heavily involved with her church, Rossville Baptist.

Email Mandy
 

The elp dogs

Over the years, we’ve come to realize most of our clients enjoy coming to ELP to see the dogs more than they enjoy seeing us! Our animals are a huge part of our lives and at any given time you may see:

Phoebe

Phoebe is known as “The Queen of the Gym.” She is the white dog with the BIG ears that will be waiting for you at the front door. She comes to work everyday and loves clients who bring her treats!

Yogi

Yogi is the newest member in the long lineage of ELP Dogs. He’s the brown dog that’ll meet you at the front door. He’s still a puppy and is learning how to greet everyone; so if he jumps on you, we apologize in advance!

All the dogs are friendly, they just might lack manners! You’re welcome to pet them and bring them treats!