Meet the ZG Staff

Madge Zacharias, MD
Founder and Co-Managing Partner

Dr. Zacharias is a board-certified pediatric physician.  Foreseeing the need for nutritionally-based weight management for children and teens, Dr. Zacharias left her pediatric medical practice in 2001 to develop Positively Fit.  In 2002, Dr. Zacharias founded Zacharias Ganey Health Institute which expanded the Positively Fit program to include adults as well as teens.  The program, now called Knowledge, Energy and You (KEY), has evolved into the most comprehensive and successful weight management and preventive health care programs in the state of Virginia.   Dr. Zacharias has been a noted speaker on the topics of childhood obesity, Metabolic Syndrome, and nutrition for weight management at Virginia Commonwealth University's Medical College, HCA Hospitals, and the Association of Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, as well as numerous other universities, high schools, and elementary schools.  She completed her undergraduate work at the University of Virginia and received her medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University's Medical College of Virginia in 1987.

Mary Jane Zacharias Ganey
Co-Managing Partner and CEO

In addition to overseeing the administrative operations at ZGHI, Mary Jane is actively involved in KEY Program development and marketing.  She is a CPA and obtained her BA from the University of Virginia.  She has a strong background in business, marketing, and finance.  She combines her creative skills and combination of marketing and managerial strengths to enhance the promotion and development of ZGHI and the KEY program and products.

Kevin Harvey
Fitness General Manager

Kevin's career in fitness began as a passion for sports. A former professional baseball player, he has been involved in fitness and athletics for many years. Kevin later participated in the Weight Management program here at ZGHI and then joined the staff as Sales Director and Fitness Instructor. Kevin credits the staff and members for creating the positive and welcoming atmosphere that makes ZGHI so successful. Kevin loves to introduce ZGHI to prospective members and is frequently seen leading people on tours of the program and performing health and fitness assessments.

Stephen Davis
Assistant General Manager, Fitness / Weekend Manager

Stephen knows first hand the struggle associated in becoming fit and healthy. In fact, he has lost 157lbs through the program at ZGHI. Stephen decided to stay on and has since become the Assistant Fitness General Manager in addition to serving as Weekend Manager. Stephen is responsible for equipment, maintenance, class scheduling and even music. He's also currently working towards his Group Fitness Certification. If he's not busy working, you will likely find him working out, staying in shape, and maintaining all of the healthy habits he has made a part of everyday life.

Nannette Aderholdt
Membership Director

Nannette Aderholdt is the Membership Director here at Zacharias Ganey. Nan Comes to ZG from an extensive career in customer service and management. She has a BA in Business management and is currently working towards her MBA. Nan fell in love with the ZG customer service philosophy and with the mission of improving people's lives through better health. She is the person to see if you have any questions concerning your membership or billing. Nan is happy to help at any time.

Sarah Brabrand
Nurse Practitioner & Diabetic Educator, ZG KEY Medical

Sarah Brabrand, RN, MSN, FNP recently joined ZG Key Medical and ZGHI in July of 2010. She has come on board this dynamic and compassionate team as a Nurse Practitioner and Diabetic Educator. She is working alongside Dr. Madge Zacharias to educate those moving through the Weight Management Classes. In addition, she works individually with members for further medical consultation and education on nutrition, weight management, and diabetic control at ZG Key Medical Clinic.

Sarah provides individualized healthcare to coincide with the work of ZGHI's team. So if you are struggling with nutrition questions, blood sugar abnormalities, weight loss concerns set up an appointment so that she can help you!

Jean Coaker
Registered Dietician, ZG KEY Medical

Jeannie Coaker is a Registered Dietician with a tremendous amount of experience and expertise in weight management, education, and nutrition counseling. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from James Madison University and completed a Dietetic Internship at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. Jeannie's career as a Dietician has included a wide range of experiences working with all age groups from infants to senior adults. Most recent she serves as the Dietician Coordinator at Cumberland Hospital involved with nutrition counseling to adolescents and families, targeting Weight Management and Diabetes. She also has a passion for teaching and helping others making her a perfect fit for ZG.

On a more personal note, you need to know that Jeannie is not all work and no play! She loves to travel, dance and crochet. And what could be better than the pleasure of doing those things with your four wonderful children that are your heart and soul? Staying positive and enjoying life with the people she loves helps Jeannie stay balanced and she continues to want to help others enjoy their lives as well. As you can see, Jeannie is a definitely a positive asset to the ZG family!

Jim Livesay
Fitness Director

Jim, who is also a professional athlete, has spent the last 27 years of his life in the fitness industry as a trainer, director, and also as an assistant in Physical Therapy.  Jim's expertise, along with his caring and positive nature, make him more than a Fitness Director.  He is always there to teach, help, motivate, and encourage.

Ashley Simpson
Group Exercise Director and Fitness Trainer

Ashley was introduced to ZGHI through her father, who had just begun the program. She started as an outside fitness instructor but quickly became a full time staff member. In addition to her duties as Group Exercise Director and Fitness Trainer, Ashley teaches Cycle, Kickboxing, Pilates, Water Aerobics, step and also oversees the fitness schedule, making sure that classes run smoothly. She loves seeing people fully realize that they are in control for their own health and fitness, especially her parents, who are both now in continuation classes.

Sarah Larsen
Exercise Scientist

Sarah assists in ZG KEY Medical, assisting in the weight management program fitness classes, doing assessments, running the CPET testing and evaluations through ZG KEY Medical, and assists in strength training. She is an exercise science major, monitoring your fitness safety and assisting Dr. Zacharias with collecting your vital baseline data, performing labs and In-Body evaluations in the ZG KEY Medical Office.

Josh Ziegler
Exercise Scientist, Fitness Instructor / ACSM, HFS Certified

Josh assists in ZG KEY Medical, assisting in your WM fitness classes, doing assessments, running the CPET testing and evaluations through ZG KEY Medical, and assisting in strength training. Josh is an exercise science major, monitoring your fitness safety and assisting Dr. Zacharias with collecting your vital baseline data, performing labs and In-Body evaluations in the ZG KEY Medical Office. Josh runs several of our Continuation Fitness Classes, and is available for one on one Continuation (discounted for members) personal training packages.

Nicole Mathis
AFAA Certified, Personal Fitness Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor

Nicole is a Certified Aerobics and Fitness instructor.  She has worked in the fitness industry for 8 years.  In addition to her role as an instructor and trainer, Nicole is actively involved in the implementation of the ZG Weight Management Program.  Nicole has a passion for helping others improve their life through wellness and fitness.

Carey Hinton
Receptionist and Program Administrator

Carey joined ZGHI in July 2007.  She has a BA in Exercise Science and can often be found helping members with their individual goals.  In addition she is the Coordinator for the ZG Weight Management Program and Front Desk Administrator.  In addition, Carey teaches morning Cycling Classes.

Lieutenant Walter Jones
Security Director, Administrative Assistant, Sales Representative

Walter has been a key part of the ZG team since we opened in 2002.  At that time he was employed as a Lieutenant with the Richmond Sherriff Office and headed up evening security at ZG.  His work and presence in the evening has contributed to the positive safe environment that ZG is well known for.  In 2008 Walter retired from the Sheriff's Department and joined the full time staff at ZG.  In addition to being the Security Director, Walter assists with many aspects of the operations from administration to fitness and sales.

Mary Sue Boisseau
Weight Management and 100 KEYS Database Manager/Developer

Mary Sue has been with ZGHI since 2010. Mary Sue created and maintains the members Access database and creates reports so members can track their own progression for Weight Management, 100 Keys, and Continuation. She compiles your assessment baseline profile, including VO2 max, the InBody report, and lab work, making your information up to date and easily accessible.

Nina Mancini
Administrative Assistant

Nina's role is in the administrative arm of ZGHI. She primarily handles data entry, the 100 Keys check in, and maintaining the member's notebooks. She enjoys coming in and seeing the member's success as they change and advance through the program.

Pat Niemi
Front Desk Administrator

Pat is another staff member who has successfully completed the program. She and her husband Arnie both joined on January 26, 2009. Pat enjoyed ZGHI so much that she volunteered to help out, which turned into part time and then into full time. Pat now leads prospective members on facility tours, performs health and fitness assessments. She also leads members on grocery trips for members - learning practical food shopping - proper nutrition. She holds master degrees in education and social sciences. Pat loves working at ZGHI because everyday she helps members make monumental progress towards the same health and fitness goals that she and her husband have achieved.

Jim Courtney
Maintenance / Pool Manager

Jim has been with ZGHI for 2 years and is well known for being very handy. Aside from any general maintenance or carpentry needs that may arise each day, Jim ensures that ZGHI is in state and local compliance with fire and electrical systems. Jim also fixes and maintains all of the exercise equipment and maintains the heated pool.

Jesse Morgan
Fitness Instructor

Jesse's path to ZGHI began as an athlete at Benedictine in Richmond. After injuring his knee, Jesse had multiple operations followed by physical therapy, something that interested him so much that he later received a physical therapy internship. He discovered ZGHI when his mother successfully went through the program. Jesse teaches Weight Management and Continuation classes. A stickler for proper form and safety, Jesse takes great satisfaction in the success of ZGHI members as they reach their health and fitness goals, often to his own homemade mix tapes.

Shep Roeper
Outdoor Coordinator / Fitness Instructor

Shep has been with ZG Health Institute for 3 years. He loves the community feeling and supportive atmosphere at ZG. "It's a rewarding job and a very non-judgemental atmosphere. I've previously worked with special needs individuals, inner city youth, and people with disabilities and love working in an environment where I can provide a valuable, hands on, and memorable experience." Shep's patient encouragement helps many ZGHI members accomplish more physically than they initially think they can, and he applauds the hard work and achievement of ZGHI members.

Ryan Beck
Exercise Scientist / ACSM Certified Health Fitness Specialist

Ryan began at ZGHI as an intern while studying Exercise Science at VCU. Ryan makes sure we have all of your medical and assessment paperwork, including labwork. Ryan is also always available for any re-assessments, program questions or fitness training advice. He also assists Madge in running her very popular ZG 100 Keys Weekly Support Groups.

Lisa Dawson
Group Fitness Instructor / ACSM Certified

Lisa teaches some of your Weight Management Fitness Classes and runs some of our Continuation Weight Machine Circuit Classes. Lisa can definitely help you with specific fitness and weight loss questions. Lisa is now working on her personal trainer certification...go Lisa!

Jon Wolfe
Fitness Trainer

Jon recently joined the staff at ZGHI and brings a lot of fitness experience, both military and civilian. Jon assists in Weight Management and Continuation fitness classes, assists at the front desk, performs assessments and, starting September 2011, Jon will be joining Shep in running the Outdoor Program. Jon most enjoys being part of the members progress through the program as they become healthier and, ultimately, fit people.

Ryan Lerow
Fitness Instructor / Sales Rep

Ryan was a Division I athlete at Longwood College in Virginia where he played 4 years of soccer. He has always had an interest in fitness and nutrition, so ZGHI is a perfect fit. He leads continuation and weight management classes, sales and contracts, handles some administrative tasks at the front desk, leads members on tours of the facility, and lately has been doing some technical writing for the medical administration here at ZGHI. Ryan loves to witness the progression of the members - shy and a bit jittery the first few days into more confident, healthy people over the course of the 10 week program.

Billy McMullen
Fitness Instructor

Billy McMullen, pro football wide receiver, has just come on board to join our fantastic group of outside fitness trainers, targeting more specifically our Continuation members and those seeking to change up their routines. Billy will start by introducing his own version of Continuation Weight Machine Circuit classes, based on his expertise and skills aquired through many years of pro football training and drills.

Billy's football career spans his college years as wide receiver and Captain of UVa's Cavaliers, to his 3rd round draft in 2003 by the Philadelphia Eagles where he played several years; from there he was signed by the Minnesota Vikings, followed by the Washington Redskins, the Seattle Seahawks and the Detroit Lions.

Michael Richardson
Fitness Instructor

Michael is currently enrolled at Virginia State University where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education with a concentration in Recreation. He played division 3 basketball in New Jersey. He was considered to play basketball overseas and also for the American Basketball Association (ABA).

Here at ZG, Michael teaches weight management and continuation classes. When members ask Michael what drives him, he says, "Members drives me to be the best trainer I can be. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the transformation of our members and adjustment to their new life styles." Michael's goal here at ZG is to enhance his career as a fitness professional.

Sally Lowell
Fitness Instructor

Sally holds a BA in Communications from The University of Michigan and is currently an AFAA Certified Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor.

Sally won the inaugural Richmond's Most Physical Female contest which demonstrated strength, flexibilty, stamina and dance skills.

Nathan Courtney
Video Production / Website Assistant Manager

Nathan is a man of many talents. He films and edits the ZG KEY lecture series as well as the Sunday series. He also creates the ZGHI radio advertisements. Nathan really enjoys the versatility and flexibility in working at ZGHI, as he is directly involved in anything from A/V editing, fixing and maintaining cardio fitness equipment, IT and networking, and website support and maintenance.

Crystal Smith
Fitness Trainer

Crystal admits that her love of fitness is directly correlated to her love of food as calories and exercise have to be balanced. She teaches many fitness classes, pool walking classes and a circuit class and also assists at the front desk during the day as a customer service representative. Crystal loves working at ZGHI because she a feels it is a positive place where people are actively taking control over their lives and making health and fitness an absolute priority.

Morgen Hellams, RN, ACSM, AASDN
Fitness Trainer

Morgen has been with ZGHI since early 2011. She currently leads a continuation circuit, moderates the small Keys support group, does personal training for some continuation members, and provides nutritional consultation. Exercise, nutrition and maintaining a healthy lifestyle has a special significance for Morgen as she personally battled through a 50lb weight loss just 9 short years ago. She understands what our members are going through first hand and she's a great source of information if you have any exercise or nutritional questions.

Sylvia Nofsinger, ACE Personal Trainer, Integral Yoga Teacher
Yoga, Pilates, Aqua Instructor

Sylvia Nofsinger is certified in pilates mat by Powerhouse Pilates and is certified on the pilates apparatus by the Pilates Certification Center under Norvell Robinson, Jr. Sylvia is an Ace certified personal trainer and Fitour Aqua Instructor. She is Integral yoga trained and a member of the Integral Yoga Teacher Assocation. She is a MELT certified instructor. She is trained in pre-natal yoga by Leslie Lytle. She has a B.A. in French and Political Science at Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina and did graduate study in Physical Therapy at VCU-MCV in Richmond, Virginia. Sylvia has been dancing since the age of 5 studying ballet, jazz and modern. Before working in fitness Sylvia was a graphic artist and translator in Italy, France and New York City.

Joy Sickinger
Front Desk Manager / Nutrition Specialist

Joy manages the front desk, leads Food Journal reviews, and teaches small nutrition groups 4 days a week. She also takes guests on tours and performs health, body and fitness assessments. Joy loves being part of an inspiring atmosphere, where she knows she makes a huge difference in people's quality of life every single day. "It's a lifestyle - not a diet. It's not a fad or a short term, quick fix solution. I really enjoy making nutrition science digestible, practical, and applicable to everyday life."

Roberta Arens
Recipe Writer, Facebook Administrator

Bert is short for Roberta Arens. Bert grew up in a little town, Milford NJ on the Delaware River. Then she graduated from VCU with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, had a few jobs, then ended up in Sales for 20 years selling Advertising Specialties. From traveling up and down the east coast, to sourcing overseas production, managing a sales force, she finally retired from that career just a few years ago. Bert now enjoys being an artist and working for ZG as our Recipe Writer, Facebook Administrator, amongst other things. You may check out Bert at www.bertbuddy.com to learn more about her, view her Bert Buddy campaign and art Gallery. Bert likes to help people with things they don't have time for or are unable to do for themselves and thrives on making people smile!

*All ZGHI staff are CPR and AED trained by the American Red Cross.