Personal training and nutrition counseling

Anna Beggs

I began my career in the world of wellness as a yoga teacher in 2010. After teaching yoga full time for a few years, I earned my personal training certification through the American College of Sports Medicine in 2014. Since then, I’ve taught and trained at gyms and studios throughout the city, specializing in HIIT, strength training, and therapeutic exercise for people who are injured or limited. My approach to exercise is rooted in strong alignment principles, creating challenge within safe and effective movements, and helping others find freedom and well-being in their bodies.

While the purpose of our training may be physical, I believe the greatest reward of physical fitness goes beyond the body—it leads to improved quality of life, mental clarity, and self-worth. It’s my pleasure and privilege to support you on your journey to becoming the best version of yourself.

Seth Demberg

I'm an ACE-certified personal trainer and I bring many years of fitness experience to the EJ Wellness Center, having owned and operated my own fitness center and managed several full-service fitness facilities. I’m still an avid weight trainer and fitness enthusiast, and I focus on safe, well-organized, age- and fitness-appropriate programming for all ages and fitness levels, with a specialization in mature adult training and rehabilitation.

I believe every person’s fitness program should be uniquely designed and motivating. When working with mature adults, building trust is essential to coordinating their health and wellness over time. Fitness gains are absolutely possible at any age through a well-constructed program, resilience, patience, and trust. Let’s take the fitness journey together and build a strong, healthy, stress-free life.

Michael Heim

I’ve been an ACE-certified personal trainer since 2000, with additional certifications in TRX, Spinning, and CPR/AED through the American Red Cross. After graduating from Southeastern Louisiana University, I began developing fitness programs tailored to all ages and ability levels.

As a results-driven trainer, I enjoy working closely with my clients to design individualized routines that support their personal goals. My experience includes HIIT, circuit training, core strengthening, balance, weight loss, and post-rehabilitation fitness. What excites me most about working at the Wellness Center is the opportunity to connect with amazing clients and help them reach their full fitness potential.

Michele Parker

I bring over 40 years of experience and a deep passion for health and wellness. My goal is to inspire others to live healthier lives through weight training, flexibility, balance, and endurance exercises. I design each training session to meet people where they are—no matter their fitness level.

In addition to personal training, I also teach group exercise classes, including cycling, yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates-style workouts. I’m certified in Personal Training, Spinning©, Les Mills Body Balance©, and CPR.

My little something extra is that I’ve competed in three Ironman 70.3 races, I play the piano, and I was even a finalist in the Powerball Lottery Drawing!

Julie Pitcher

I have over 20 years of experience in the health and fitness industry, specializing in weight loss, strength training, endurance, balance, and coordination. I'm certified by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) in Personal Training and Senior Fitness. With my extensive experience training clients of all shapes, sizes, and physical limitations, I believe that with commitment, dedication, proper guidance, and motivation, anything is possible. Through my own weight loss journey, I've learned that moderation in calorie consumption, combined with regular exercise, is key. My motto is “Moderation, not Deprivation.” Long-term success can't be achieved through fad diets and quick fixes.

Everyone deserves a better quality of life, and it all depends on the effort you're willing to put in. My goal is to guide you towards a healthy lifestyle safely and efficiently.

Donna Roubal

I’ve had the privilege of working in the fitness industry for over 30 years—20 of those here at the Wellness Center. I’m a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor through ACE and AFAA, and I'm CPR-certified. I have a degree in health promotion and exercise sciences from SLU and am certified in just about every fitness genre. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with clients across all fitness levels, from those managing chronic conditions and recovering from injury or stroke, to those focused on weight loss, strength, flexibility, and improving everyday movement. I specialize in group classes like step, kickboxing, Pilates, core training, arthritis exercise, and water aerobics, and I have extensive experience with interval and resistance training.

Whether you’re looking to move better, feel stronger, or live a more balanced life, I bring an intense focus and a unique coaching style to help you reach—and exceed—your goals. I aim to create a stronger mind-body connection and promote overall wellness by aligning your fitness routine with your lifestyle and nutritional needs. I truly love helping people unlock their potential and thrive at every stage of life.

Courtney St. Germain

I’ve worked with a wide range of clients throughout my years as a personal trainer, helping individuals navigate conditions such as breast cancer recovery, osteoporosis, and post-rehabilitation for orthopedic injuries. I believe in finding workouts that are effective and accessible for people with limitations—whether temporary or permanent—and that’s a key part of my approach to training.

I’m certified through the American Council on Exercise and hold a master’s degree in exercise physiology from the University of New Orleans. With over 15 years of experience in personal training, I’m also certified in CPR and AED through the American Red Cross.

Dan Zajac

For me, fitness is all about easing the aches, pains, and stress of everyday life. No matter your goal, there are ways in the gym to improve your quality of life. I focus on functional training principles—helping people move more efficiently and effectively to promote well-being in all aspects of daily living.

My perspective has been shaped by a wide range of experiences: I’m an ACE-certified personal trainer and sports conditioning specialist, a TRX suspension trainer, a black belt with the International Shotokan Karate Federation, a NCAA lacrosse official, and a Louisiana high school football official. These skills allow me to offer a diverse set of training techniques tailored to your needs. Together, we can create a plan to help you move better and reach your goals.

One-hour sessions with a personal trainer who will assist you with the proper body mechanics and machine usage, while prescribing the proper exercise and activities to meet your fitness goals and needs.

Personal training prices:

• 60-minute session: $50
• 12 session package: $550

This group is $145 a month and consists of five to eight participants—you can create your own or be placed in one that fits your needs. Workouts are designed by a personal trainer to maximize calorie burn and boost your metabolism. All personal training clients must be a member of the Wellness Center or must pay a daily or weekly guest fee.

Membership includes:

• Unlimited use of the Wellness Center
• Unlimited use of group exercise classes
• Team training twice per week

The small group training membership is $265 a month and consists of two to four participants and exercises are tailored to meet each fitness level.

Membership includes:

• Unlimited use of the Wellness Center
• Unlimited use of group exercise classes
• Small group training twice per week

Consistently ranked among the world's fittest athletes, boxers train with full-body, high intensity workouts. Our non-contact boxing program delivers that same professional level training—without the sparring.

Designed for all fitness levels, this one-on-one program helps you burn calories, build lean muscle, and improve cardiovascular endurance. It also strengthens legs, core, and upper body while offering a powerful outlet for stress relief.

Taught by a professional trainer who has worked with world champions, you’ll learn proper punching technique, defensive stances, heavy bag and mitt work—all with a focus on balance and injury prevention. Most participants call it the most fun and engaging workout they’ve ever tried.

Boxing training prices:

• 30-minute session: $40
• 60-minute session: $70
• 12 session package (30-minute sessions): $420
• 12 session package (60-minute sessions): $720

Axel Murillo

I've been a trainer since 1994 and am a certified US Boxing Level II trainer. I became a trainer because of my love for boxing and I truly enjoy seeing results in my clients' bodies and their use of great technique.

I've worked with numerous world champion fighters, but Chad Dawson taking two belts from Antonio Tarver stands out as my greatest training success story. Technique is crucial. In boxing conditioning, it gives the boxer confidence, courage, and ultimately, victory.

Swim lessons are with a certified aquatic trainer/swim coach who offers water aerobics and/or swim lessons.

Swim lessons prices:

• 60-minute single session: $50
• 12 session package: $550

There's nothing like the food here in NOLA, and the dietitians here at East Jefferson General Hospital can help guide you towards eating the foods you love in a smarter and more healthy way.

Nutrition counseling at the Wellness Center focuses on your specific nutritional needs and goals. You and your dietitian will work together to develop a plan to work toward your goal. Weight loss at the Wellness Center is more than just a diet; it's a lifestyle change that will help you feel better, increase energy, and improve mood, all while eating the foods you love!

Nutrition counseling sessions are available by appointment only. Please contact the Wellness Center at 504.503.6868 or stop by the Member Services Desk to make an appointment today!

Nutrition counseling packages:

Basic nutrition package: $149

For those who are interested in creating a long-term lifestyle change, have tried diets in the past, or have a moderate amount of weight to lose.

• One 90-minute initial session
• One 30-minute follow-up session

Follow-up nutrition sessions: $149

For those who have completed the Basic Nutrition Package or a single session and need additional guidance.

• Four 30-minute follow-up sessions

Single sessions and cholesterol screens:

For those who have specific nutrition-related concerns.

• 60-minute session: $75
• Cholesterol screening: $45

Nutrient specific consultations:

Whether a food intolerance makes it difficult for you to meet your nutrient needs, or a condition requires you be on a specific diet, our 60-minute individualized consultation will help you reach your best self yet.

• 60-minute session: $75

Athletic performance:

For those trying to boost their training regimen or optimize muscle mass and body fat to maximize performance.

Blood pressure:

Just a small amount of weight loss can help lower blood pressure numbers by 3-5 points!
At this consult you will receive invaluable tips on how to reduce your sodium intake.

Cholesterol:

With ever-changing nutrition recommendations, knowing which foods will increase your cholesterol can be tricky. Our dietitian will help you sort fact from fiction to help keep your levels in check.

Pre-Diabetes/Diabetes:

Let our dietitian help you understand the carbohydrate exchange system so you can seamlessly use it to control your blood sugar in everyday life.

Vegetarian/Vegan:

Following a plant-based diet is a great way to improve your health and the health of the planet. Learn how to safely follow a meatless meal plan that won’t leave you feeling hungry or fatigued.

Mike Sandoz, MS, RD, LDN, CDCES

I’m a Registered Dietitian with a passion for helping people feel their best through food and lifestyle. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences from Louisiana State University and a master’s degree in Exercise and Nutrition Science from Lipscomb University.

I’ve had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including as the Sports Dietitian at Tulane University’s Center for Sport, at the Wellness Center, and as an outpatient dietitian at East Jefferson General Hospital. These experiences have given me a well-rounded perspective on nutrition for athletes, families, and individuals looking to improve their overall wellness.

I’m originally from Mandeville, Louisiana, and when I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two children, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, and tackling home improvement projects on the weekends.