Michael J. Flanagan, President
Michael J. Flanagan is President of The LifeStart Wellness Network, Inc. In this capacity he is responsible for sales, marketing and customer retention, business technology, product solutions and all customer engagement activities.
With more than 20 years of experience in the health and wellness industry, from medical-based services to wellness centers, Mike has worked for LifeStart in various capacities since 1992, where he started as an Exercise Physiologist, quickly moving up through the ranks to serve as the President of the company since 2006. Mike developed LifeStart's Health Risk Assessment and Physical Assessment Programs and was integral in the development of The My Health IQ program, which was recognized by the National Health, Wellness and Prevention Congress as one of the Most Innovative Consumer Driven Health Care Programs, and was later sold to Healthways (one of the largest disease management companies in America).
Mike holds a Masters of Science degree from the University of Illinois Chicago, a Masters of Education from DePaul University, respectively, and undergraduate degrees in Athletic Training and Physical Therapy from Illinois State University and University of Illinois, respectively.
Through practical application of this extensive background in Education and Science, Mike was able to provide a solid foundation for LifeStart to emerge as the premier Corporate Wellness/Fitness Management company in the country.
Demetri Gofis, CPA, Controller
Demetri is responsible for The LifeStart Wellness Network's nationwide Accounting, Tax, Insurance and Business Licensing functions. Prior to joining Lifestart, Demetri spent twelve years in the accounting and finance field within the commercial real estate industry. At Cawley Chicago Real Estate, Demetri managed the accounting and reporting function for multiple clients' real estate portfolios, while performing investment analysis and due diligence projects related to both company and client investment opportunities. In addition to Cawley Chicago, Demetri has worked with Jones Lang LaSalle, as a Senior Financial Analyst, and CB Richard Ellis, as an Accounting Manager, overseeing the financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting processes.
Demetri earned his Bachelor's of Science degree in Accountancy from Northern Illinois University in 1994. He successfully passed the CPA Exam as a first time candidate in 1995.
Sharon Mehalek, Director of Operations
Sharon has been employed in the health and fitness industry for over 30 years. Currently she is the Director of Operations for the LifeStart Wellness Network. The past 17 years she has been directly involved with the overall day-to-day operations and management of large corporate fitness facilities in the Chicago land area. These responsibilities included developing sales and marketing plans for each center with the sales director, as well as managing and directing all staff in promotions and programs using their individual skills and talents. In addition, she coordinated all operating expenses, balanced budgets and increased the growth of all programs leading to a consistent increase in revenue. Her strong Personal Training and Group Exercise background proved to be an advantage from providing her expertise and energetic creativity to the existing programs at each center. Prior to her service in the fitness industry Sharon was employed in the accounting field for four years as office manager for Certified Public Accountants.
Sharon possesses certifications in Personal Training, which include The National Academy of Sports Medicine Advanced Certification and The National Strength and Conditioning Association. Her additional certifications are in Group Exercise including the American Council on Exercise and the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America.
She is currently a Master Trainer with Schwinn Stairmaster Fitness Academy and the Indoor Cycling Program. Sharon can be seen promoting the Nautilus "Bowflex" product on National TV and as an International Presenter at fitness conventions.
Cathy Crawford, Director of Human Resources
Mrs. Crawford directs all of LifeStart's Human Resource functions nationally. Cathy oversees all payroll, insurance and HR functions for the LifeStart portfolio.
Cathy has more than 12 years of experience in the health and fitness field, most recently managing multiple residential property health clubs in the Chicago area. Cathy has a BS in Health Promotions with a Minor in Business Administration from the University of Iowa.
Amy Meleg RN, BSN, Director of Health Services
Amy oversees all LifeStart's Health Services, including screenings, immunizations and collection and analyzation of data. Her responsibilities include insuring all HIPPAA and OSHA standards are met with LifeStart's onsite programs. She also serves as the company's Infection Control Officer.
Amy has a Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of Windsor. She has over 7 years experience in the nursing field with a background in critical care.
Elizabeth Prebish, Registered Dietitian, Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist
As the Director of Nutrition for LifeStart Wellness Network, Elizabeth is responsible for implementing and overseeing the company’s nutrition programming nationwide. Elizabeth finds personal satisfaction in the opportunity to reach out to those at risk for nutrition-related diseases, those who would otherwise potentially be unaware of their health risks. She educates the corporate population by performing an annual nationwide interactive nutrition education program as well as integrating an increased emphasis in nutrition for existing corporate wellness programs. In addition, Elizabeth personally meets with clients in a group setting as well as providing individual consultations in the Chicagoland area. Elizabeth is located at the company’s corporate site. She spends a majority of her consultation efforts with corporate companies associated with Tishman Speyer, though spends time at all LifeStart locations throughout Chicago.
Elizabeth holds a Bachelors of Science from Indiana University in Dietetics and Psychology. She has also received certification from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. Elizabeth continued her dietetic education working throughout the Saint Barnabas Medical Care System in New Jersey, spending time studying and researching clinical nutrition in association with medical nutrition therapy. Elizabeth’s real passion is in prevention and healing through nutrition. Therefore, Elizabeth continued to focus in preventative and holistic nutrition involving disease-related food intolerance and sensitivities through working with nutrition experts at Nutritional Concepts in Northbrook, IL. She has acquired corporate knowledge in the nutrition field by previously working with Johnson & Johnson.
James E. Martensen, Director of Personal Training and Testing
James is responsible for the coordination and implementation of all on-site personal training and health assessment programs, including the LWN Health Profile and Heart Risk Assessment program.
James has more than 10 years of experience in exercise testing and prescription. James' prior experience includes Program Director for Frappier Acceleration Sports Training Centers. He earned a BA in Fitness Leadership with an emphasis on Cardiac Rehabilitation and a minor in Sports Medicine and Biology from Northern Illinois University.
Mario Curatolo, Director of Sales
Mario started working in the fitness industry in 1979 with Health and Tennis Corporation in both sales and management capacities. With over a million dollars in sales in the Chicago land area, he was then promoted to lead the company's sales efforts in Denver, Colorado for three new locations, exceeding all sales goals and building solid sales teams for each location. After moving back to Chicago, Mario took a position as the sales director at Sporting Clubs of America. During his tenure there, he increased membership by almost 40%
Mario joined LifeStart as a General Manager / Sales Manager at their first site, the Sears Tower Club, where he achieved membership enrollment numbers that filled the center to capacity, creating a wait list for membership. In has nearly 20 years of employment with LifeStart, Mario has lead the sales efforts for each new site, surpassing pre-enrollment numbers for each project and increasing membership numbers through solid sales efforts and relationship building skills.
Mario graduated with a B.S in Physical. Education from California St University Chico and with a minor in Recreation management. While at Chico, he wrestled, and competed in Power Lifting and Olympic lifting in the 181 weight class.
Liz Muri, B.S., ACE CPT, Regional Manager/Personal Trainer
Liz Muri, a Regional Manager in the Chicago Loop, has been with LifeStart for over 5 years. Her passion for fitness and health makes her a good fit for the company, as LifeStart strives to offer a successful and fun fitness plan tailored to all of their members. Liz is completely behind the mission of LifeStart and has found her role in the company extremely fulfilling. Being able to make a difference in an individual's health and fitness goals each day on the job is very rewarding.
Liz's interest in fitness started at a young age and continued with her pursuing a Health Promotion and Education Degree at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Following college she received her certification as an A.C.E. personal trainer and hopes to continue expanding her knowledge of health and fitness to use in her role at LifeStart.