Mitzi Hightower-Teel is a native Trentonian and one of five siblings born to the late Mary and Alonzo Hightower. Mitzi is married to Wayne D. Teel who is the CEO of TEEL Computer Services & TEEL PRODUCTIONS.
Mitzi attended Trenton Public Schools and is a proud graduate of Trenton Central High School, Class of 1976. Mitzi graduated from Elizabeth City State University “ECSU” with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education and Health in 1980. Later she earned a master’s degree with Honors "Cum Laude" In Educational Leadership and Administration with Principal Licensure from Jones International University.
While attending Trenton High School she was the JV Cheerleading Squad Captain-1974; Varsity Cheerleading Squad Captain-1976 and member of the Track Team 1974 - 1976. The highlight of Mitzi’s educational experience while attending ECSU was bringing a new style of Cheer/Dance, creativity and leadership “Captain 1977 - 1980” to the ECSU Cheerleading Squad.
Mitzi became a member of Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship Incorporated in 1977 and was elected Miss Swing Phi Swing in 1979.
Mitzi’s love of children was reflected in her job as a Physical Education/Health and Swimming teacher at Dunn Middle School for 37 years. While at Dunn, Mitzi also served for 36 years as the Head Cheerleader Coach, the Girls and Boys Track Team Coach, established The Dunn Dance Group and a Modeling Team. In 1998 she was inducted into the Trenton Central High School Athletic Hall of Fame and Re-inducted in 2021 for the opening of the New State of the Arts Trenton High School.
Mitzi has been teaching the importance of exercise and physical fitness for over 45 years and is the CEO/Owner of Shape-It By Mitzi and Your Body Your Temple Fitness Programs, which focuses on physical fitness for the body, mind, heart and soul. Mitzi is a Licensed Personal Fitness Trainer and is Certified/License to teach all types of Fitness classes and is the proud owner of Shape-It Fitness Studio at Shiloh.
Mitzi has received many honors and awards over the years including the 1995 Governor’s Teacher of the Year, 2022 Pearls of Wisdom Honoree for Service, Dedication to Educate, Inspire, Encourage the Youth and Community. In 2023 Mitzi was appointed to Mercer County Executive Dan Benson’s Performing Arts Council for Mercer County. Was chosen in 2023 as the Shiloh Baptist Church African American and the Arts Honoree for Outstanding Service and Leadership of the Anointed Praise Dance Ministry, just to name a few
Mitzi has modeled for Barbizon, John Robert Powers in Philadelphia Pa., Macy’s in NYC and currently presents her own Fashion Shows showcasing fashions from Mitzi’s Fashionista’s Boutique, local clothing stores and New Fashion designers.
Mitzi is a Board Member for Dream Makers Dance Studios as well as a very active member of the NJ Zuri Graduate Chapter of Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship Inc. Mitzi was a member of the Capital City Dance Company located in the Capital City of Trenton, NJ, from 1980 -1995.
For the past 11 years Mitzi has been the featured Praise Dancer as well as a featured Model in the Fashion Shows on the Festival At Sea African American Cruise. In 2023 Mitzi was blessed to become a Festival At Sea staff member instructing the Your Body Your Temple “YBYT” Fitness Classes.
Mitzi is a lifelong member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Trenton, NJ. Mitzi was the former Co-Chair and Chaplin of the Trustee Aide Ministry and currently serves as an appointed Trustee (Chaplin). Mitzi serves on the SBC Leadership Team, Chair of SBC Communications, a member of the Official Executive and Joint Boards, a member of the Hospitality Ministry and the Women’s Council. Mitzi is the SBC Your Body Your Temple (YBYT) Fitness Instructor. Since 2000, Mitzi has been the Director of the Liturgy Praise and Worship Liturgical Praise Dance Ministry. Under Mitzi’s leadership, Shiloh Baptist Church Praise Dance Ministry hosted the 1st and 2nd “ever held” Tri-State Praise Dance Conference at Shiloh in 2003 and 2005. Mitzi enjoys studying and learning God’s word and is a faithful participant in the Shiloh Baptist Church Bible Study Classes as well as the daily Call-in Prayer Line.
Mitzi's Favorite scripture Acts 17:28 “In Him I live, and Move and Have My Being”
Mitzi gives all Glory, Honor and Praise to God for her accomplishments.
