Meet the ZG Staff

Madge Zacharias, MD
Founder, CEO

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 partnered with Ray Easterling and founded Easterling Zacharias Health Institute which expanded the Positively Fit program to include adults as well as teens.  The program, now called Make It Personal(MIP), 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 Ganey
Chief Administrative Officer

In addition to overseeing the administrative operations at ZGHI, Mary Jane is actively involved in MIP Program development and marketing.  She is a CPA and obtained her  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 MIP program and products.

Stephen Beale
Manager, Fitness Instructor

Steve joined ZGHI in January 2007 and came on as a full time manager in August 2007.  He combines his fitness expertise with a strong business business and managerial background.  His talent for team building is evident in the attitude and quality of the entire staff at ZGHI.

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.

Nicole Mathis Sistare
Group Fitness Director

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 Sheffiff 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.

Kevin Harvey
Sales Representative, Fitness Instructor

Kevin joined the ZG team in 2008.  Kevin has been enthusiastic to bring his 20+ years experience in sales and business to the growth of the MIP Program at ZG.  Along the way he has used his strong background in sports and coaching to become a key part of the Fitness Training Staff at ZG. 

Kevin is no stranger to Richmond.  He attended Benedictine H.S. and went on to play baseball for the University of Richmond.  Upon graduation, Kevin played at the Professional level with the Kansas City Royals Organization.  He has been involved in sports and athletics throughout his life and has been active in coaching youth sports.

Vickie McFadden
Aquatics and Fitness Instructor

Vickie brings her years of teaching experience with her passion for helping others through preventive health and exercise.  She teaches aquatic classes, cycling, and aerobics.

Wanda Mills
Fitness Instructor, Certified Personal Trainer

In addition to being Certified as a Personal Trainer, Wanda is certified in Aqua Fitness, Senior Fitness, and Cycling.  Wanda will challenge you and at the same time give you the help and support to keep moving forward.  Her past experience as a business coach and motivational speaker enhances her ability to help you find your inner strength needed to succeed.  

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