Our Weight Loss Experts

Michael Cartwright, Founder and CEO

An avid fitness enthusiast, Michael has experienced first hand the dramatic transformation that can be possible through healthy exercise, nutrition and total lifestyle change when he lost sixty pounds in five months. Michael is the founder and former chief executive officer of Foundations Associates, where he oversaw the transformation of thousands of individuals and families who struggled with addiction. Under his management, the organization grew to include four alcohol and drug treatment facilities nationwide, including the Canyon, the leading recovery facility in Malibu, California. As a noted member of the behavioral health care community, Michael has served on the Senate Help Sub-committee on Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services and as a member of Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Planning and Policy Council.

Mark A. Calarco, DO, MBA, MRO, Medical Director

Dr. Calarco was the first board-certified anti-aging and regenerative medicine specialist in Tennessee, and he also serves as a board examiner for the American Academy of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. His clients include many world-renowned entertainers, professional athletes and prominent business leaders. He is also board-certified in family medicine and osteopathic medicine, and is a clinical instructor for several medical schools. Dr. Calarco graduated from medical school at Chicago’s Midwestern University College of Osteopathic Medicine, and received undergraduate degrees with Highest Honors and Phi Beta Kappa from the University of California Berkeley and Santa Cruz. He is on staff at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, TN. His passion for optimizing human potential through progressive medicine spans nineteen years.

Sonja Friend-Uhl, Executive Director

A world-class athlete, Sonja Friend-Uhl has trained people of all ages and abilities for over twelve years. A skilled fitness programmer, Sonja holds Personal Training Certifications with ACSM and AFAA as well as AFAA specialty certifications in Youth, Senior, and Pre-Natal Fitness. She is a USATF Level I Certified Coach and a Lifestyle Technologies certified Weight Loss Counselor. Sonja has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the College of William and Mary. Sonja’s personal athletic achievements include being a member of six U.S. World Championship running teams. A prime example of maintaining a balance in your life, Sonja prioritizes her roles as a wife and mother in addition to her fitness career. Motivating you to making a positive difference in your life via fitness is her ultimate goal.

CHANDA VANIMAN, YOGA DIRECTOR
DAVID RAY, PERSONAL TRAINER
CHRIS STEWART, PERSONAL TRAINER
SANDY HINCHEY, AQUA AEROBICS INSTRUCTOR
JEFFREY KNUTSON, YOGA INSTRUCTOR
ERIC MILLER, SALES
JANNA AIKEN, BUSINESS MANAGER
KIRK MANZ, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT