About Us

Neuroscience Expert.

Dr. Rhonna Shatz, Adjunct Associate Professor and Division Director for Behavioral Neurology, is a leading expert in Alzheimer’s disease research and treatment. As the Bob and Sandy Heimann Endowed Chair in Research and Education in Alzheimer’s Disease, Dr. Shatz is the Medical Director of the Memory Disorders Center. Previously, she served as the Clayton Alandt Chair of Behavioral Neurology at Henry Ford Health Systems in Detroit. She is a UCNS-certified behavioral neurologist with over 25 years of experience. 


Dr. Shatz’s groundbreaking work includes NIH-funded studies on genetic and vascular risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease in African Americans and research on inflammatory mechanisms in dementia. She has received numerous awards, including recognition as a “Best Doctor” and “Top Doc” for 14 consecutive years. Dr. Shatz’s passion for expanding dementia care services led to the creation of memory clinic collaborations and Always Events® initiatives to integrate cognitive health into primary care. As a University of Cincinnati professor, she also trains the next generation of behavioral neurologists, overseeing the UCNS-certified Behavioral Neurology Fellowship. 

CESO, COO & CEO.

Adam Ortman, CESO, Michael Gelfgot, COO, and John Spence, CEO, are the visionary forces behind Activate Brain & Body Fitness. With 57 years of combined leadership in the fitness industry, their careers are marked by operating 23 successful health clubs and securing prestigious accolades, including Club Operators of the Year (2008) and multiple Personal Trainer of the Year awards (2012, 2013, 2016, 2018). Adam Ortman holds a degree in Exercise Science from Miami University, is a Master Trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati, where he teaches a course on Brain Health and Exercise. Collectively, these accomplishments underscore the expertise they now channel into Activate’s pioneering vision: a first-of-its-kind integration of brain and body fitness. This innovative approach aims to fundamentally reshape the future of health and aging. Their methodology is driven by a commitment to science-backed innovation. With robust, evidence-based expertise and credentials, they bring an unparalleled depth of knowledge that ensures Activate delivers a truly integrated approach to fitness, holistically addressing every facet of client well-being.

Adam Ortman

CESO | 12 Yrs. of Experience

Miami University

B.S. Kinesiology and Health

University of Cincinnati

Adjunct Professor

National Academy of Sports Medicine

Master Personal Trainer
Plain Free Performance Specialist
Corrective Exercise Specialist
Fitness Nutrition Specialist
Behavior Change Specialist
Group Personal Training Specialist
Performance Enhancement Specialist

Functional Aging Institute

Functional Aging Specialist
Brain Health Trainer

TRX

Certified Personal Trainer

Functional Movement System

Certified Personal Trainer

Stick Mobility

Certified Personal Trainer

Precision Nutrition

Certified Level I Personal Trainer

Strong First

Kettle Bell Specialist

National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners

Certified Dementia Practitioner

Mike Gelfgot

COO | 23 Yrs. of Experience

Owned & Operated 23 Franchise Health Clubs

Club Operator of the Year 2008
PT of the Year 2012, 13, 16, 18
Success Story of the Year 2013, 18
Community Outreach Award 2015

National Academy of Sports Medicine

Certified Personal Trainer
Corrective Exercise Specialist
Performance Enhancement Specialist

Pain Free Performance Specialist

Certified Personal Trainer

Functional Movement System

Certified Personal Trainer

MedFit Education Foundation

Medical Fitness Specialist

TRX

Certified Personal Trainer

Stick Mobility

Certified Personal Trainer

Precision Nutrition

Certified Level 1 Personal Trainer

National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners

Certified Dementia Practitioner

John Spence

CEO | 33 Yrs. of Experience

St. Cloud University

B.S. Journalism

Owned & Operated 23 Franchise Health Clubs

Club Operator of the Year 2008
PT of the Year 2012, 13, 16, 18
Success Story of the Year 2013, 18
Community Outreach Award 2015

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