ABOUT
At the Center for Peak Performance, our approach is to work with you to develop innovative solutions to help you achieve your peak potential. Working with us is not a quick fix, nor is it easy – but it does create results. If you believe you are capable of performing at higher levels, are open to new ideas, and have the determination to improve, then contact us.
Sam Maniar, Ph.D.
Founder & Performance Psychologist
Dr. Maniar has 20+ years of extensive experience helping athletes, executives, and organizations achieve peak performance. He has worked with teams, executives, and high potentials from virtually all sports and industries. He is a licensed psychologist in the state of Ohio.
Zac Bruback, Ph.D.
Mental Conditioning Coach
Dr. Bruback has been with the Center for Peak Performance since 2019, and he serves as the main Mental Conditioning Coach at SPIRE Institute/Academy and Gilmour Academy. He has extensive experience providing counseling and sport psychology consultation to college and high school student-athletes. He recently completed his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at the University of Akron.
Nichole Soltis, M.A.
Performance Counselor
Nichole is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of Ohio. Nichole is a long-time figure skater and continues to compete yearly, including the Adult National Figure Skating Championships. She has a passion for mental health and the impact on athletes. She hopes to use her platform to spread awareness, support others, and start the conversation surrounding mental health and athletics.
Emily Smerchansky, M.S.
Performance Counselor
Emily is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with Supervisory designation (LPCC-S) in the state of Ohio. She played basketball while earning her bachelors degree in Psychology at Hiram College and an M.S. in Education from Youngstown State University. Emily is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and for the past 8 years, her primary focus has been treating, adolescents and adults who have experienced intensive trauma. She also has experience running groups and providing drug/alcohol counseling, and she is particularly excited about helping athletes improve their mental health in order to reach their peak potential.