Meet the Coaches

Great coaching makes all the difference, and at MPC, you’ve got some of the best in your corner. Each of our coaches brings a unique background and style, but they share one mission: helping you discover just how strong you can be. From strength training to Pilates, mobility to endurance, their expertise goes beyond exercise—it’s about building resilience, confidence, and joy in movement.

John Valbonesi

Head Programmer & Coach

John Valbonesi has been an integral part of the My Peak Challenge community since its inception. As Head Programmer, he designs training programs that challenge, empower, and inspire members to push beyond their limits in and out of the gym.

With over 15 years of experience in the fitness industry, John has dedicated his career to helping individuals achieve their personal bests. He has coached people from all walks of life, proving that fitness is never one-size-fits-all. His approach emphasizes the importance of enjoying the process, celebrating progress, and making hard work feel rewarding, sometimes even fun.

John believes in meeting every Peaker where they are, whether they’re just starting their fitness journey or are seasoned athletes. His goal is to help members uncover their strength—sometimes strength they didn’t even know they had—while keeping them on track with strategic programming (and the occasional burpee).

When he’s not coaching, John can be found experimenting with new workouts, cracking dad jokes, making coffee, sweating it out in the sauna, and spending time with family and friends. He remains passionate about helping others set goals, smash them, and prove every day that they’re capable of more than they think.

Melissa Mooney

Coach & Yoga Instructor

Melissa Mooney is an E-RYT 500 yoga instructor, Certified Personal Trainer, and Certified Health Coach based in Los Angeles. Originally from the Midwest, she discovered yoga while studying music in college, and it quickly became a transformative part of her life. Her exploration of yoga not only deepened her mindfulness practice but also helped her balance her passion for weight training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT).

Since 2014, Melissa has worked with a diverse range of clients, including private individuals, group classes, and corporate wellness programs. Her coaching focuses on helping athletes enhance power through flexibility and mental focus, supporting rehabilitation in collaboration with physical therapists, and using yoga as a moving meditation for stress relief.

Melissa is also a Functional Aging Specialist, dedicated to helping individuals maintain mobility, strength, and independence throughout adulthood. Her holistic approach to fitness empowers clients to build long-term well-being, blending movement, mindfulness, and strength training into a sustainable practice.

When she’s not coaching, Melissa enjoys singing with a local choir, hiking, and traveling with family and friends. Her passion for health and wellness extends beyond the studio, reflecting a lifelong commitment to helping others lead strong, balanced, and fulfilling lives.

Pearl Fu

Coach & Group Fitness Instructor

Pearl Fu is a seasoned group fitness instructor with more than 25 years of experience helping individuals stay active, consistent, and connected in today’s fast-paced world. A California native, she is passionate about creating fun yet challenging workouts that empower people to build strength and confidence at every stage of life. As a fitness coach in her 50s, Pearl is a strong advocate for lifelong fitness, proving that movement and vitality have no age limit.

Before dedicating herself fully to coaching, Pearl spent years working in nonprofit, corporate, and government roles. Her background in service and leadership fuels her commitment to helping others achieve a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

She holds multiple certifications, including NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Menopause Coaching Specialist, Schwinn Indoor Cycling, Stott Pilates, Kettlebell Concepts, IndoRow, and TRX, making her a dynamic and well-rounded coach.

Outside of the gym, Pearl enjoys hiking, boxing, and indulging in a good TV binge. Her classes are known for their energy, encouragement, and plenty of laughs—expect to sweat, push your limits, and have fun along the way.

Tacia Van Vleet

Coach

Tacia Van Vleet brings a wealth of experience to her role as an MPC coach, blending a background in elite athletics, movement training, and coaching. A former collegiate gymnast at the University of Washington, she went on to perform as an artist and acrobat with Cirque du Soleil for eight years. During her time with the company, she combined her communications degree and dance minor to earn the title of Captain of Movement for her show, further deepening her expertise in movement mechanics and performance.

After undergoing two reconstructive shoulder surgeries, Tacia transitioned into coaching and, in 2016, co-founded Rising Wave Athletics in El Segundo, California, alongside her husband. Balancing a new business, a growing family, and her own recovery, she developed a deep appreciation for the challenges of rebuilding strength and mobility.

Tacia specializes in working with individuals on movement fundamentals, whether they are recovering post-physical therapy, new to fitness, or looking to develop gymnastics basics. As a certified yoga instructor, she incorporates breath-to-movement techniques to enhance body awareness, control, and overall performance.

Tacia is passionate about making fitness accessible, safe, and enjoyable for all levels. Her commitment to helping people move well and feel strong made her a natural fit for MPC’s Activate Program, where she empowers participants to take on their Peak Challenge with confidence.