After graduating from the University of Georgia, I practiced accounting as a CPA for five years. During that time, I married the most amazing husband, who also has a deep passion for health and wellness. We were blessed with two precious children, a girl, and a boy, 17 months apart! It was while I was holding these two babies in my arms that God sent me a wake-up call.

Having two babies within such a short period of time caused me to neglect my body and spirit entirely, and I fell into a depression. At the time, I had no idea what was happening. Tears flowed, anxiety heightened, and many questions surfaced. What am I doing with my life? I prayed for help but heard nothing. Another year passed, and I had my third child, Lyla, who was a miracle. Months after she arrived, I developed another illness, which took a toll on me physically and mentally.

The questions continued to point me closer to God, and I asked and prayed – Lord, WHAT is my PURPOSE? Finally, in a way I can never explain, He spoke to me, “Do what you love to do!” and “glorify Me through what you love! Love me and love others.” So, from then on, I let my passion for exercise, nutrition, and encouraging others flow freely from my soul. I decided to pursue a personal training and nutrition certification. I felt that through working directly with people, I could serve Him by developing relationships and encouraging women of all types. I want to help people realize that to change your body, you must transform your entire being – body, mind, and spirit!

True life transformation begins by acknowledging your need for His love and accepting His plan for a whole-body healthy lifestyle. Hearing success stories from my clients and friends brings me joy every day. I have realized that by getting to know and helping people, I am truly blessed and am finding my life’s true purpose.

Team TransFit

Caroline Ward

Owner & Certified Personal Trainer

My passion is to change lives by inspiring women to transform not only their bodies but also their minds and spirits!

Caroline Ward is the mother of 3 beautiful teenagers and wife to Kelly Ward. Since she arrived in Athens in 1996 from her home state of Louisiana, she has been committed to serving the community. Caroline is the owner and president of TransFit Athens. TransFit is short for Transformational Fitness, a full-service personal training studio for women. A graduate of Terry College of Business, School of Accounting, with a Masters in Public Administration, Caroline worked as a CPA in local accounting firms and the Terry Executive MBA Program for five years before starting her own business. Trans Fit.

Caroline’s passion for health and fitness stemmed from being a member of the University of Georgia Gymnastics team from 1996-2000 and competing on two national championship teams in 1998 & 1999. Caroline received the Distinguished Alumni Award. She is a Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Consultant, Running Coach, and Yoga Instructor for the UGA Football and Gymnastics teams. She has written and presented her book and Bible study, Live Transformed as well as qualified and finished the 2014 Boston Marathon. She opened TransFit 12 years ago in the basement of her home in Athens. TransFit is now a thriving personal training studio for women in the heart of 5 Points and Oconee County. Her passion is to change lives by inspiring women to transform not only their bodies but also their minds and spirits.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

Lisa Patton

Director of Running & Certified Personal Trainer

Like many of you, I am a busy wife and mother who desires to remain healthy spiritually, emotionally, and physically.  Strength training, running, and accountability play vital roles in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 

Lisa grew up competing in the high school and college levels in basketball, track, and cross country. After graduating, she coached varsity basketball and cross country and also led group fitness classes in Augusta, GA. She loves encouraging others to reach their fitness goals. After Lisa moved to Atlanta, she devoted her time to her growing family of four children and began homeschooling. During this time, she also grew my knowledge as a runner. Lisa started racing and running with several groups in Atlanta.  

Soon after Lisa moved to Athens, she began working one-on-one with other women, helping them meet their running and fitness goals. Lisa earned her level 1 Healthy Running Coach Certificate and completed her Personal Trainer and Pilates Instructor Certification. She writes personalized training plans and encourages others to meet their running and fitness goals. She also works one-on-one and in group settings at TransFit Athens, discussing running fundamentals and specific strength training for healthy and successful running. 

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4

Gracie Bush

Certified Personal Trainer

It is an honor to spend 55 minutes with every person who walks through the door, whether teaching or taking attendance. I aim to build women’s and young girls’ confidence in the gym and in the Lord, which translates into every aspect of their lives. My classes are high-energy and empowering while inclusive to all. Come join me—I promise you’ll have fun! 

Gracie is a fifth-year Business Management and Real Estate major at the University of Georgia. She is passionate about physical and spiritual strength in the Lord. Originally from Columbus, Georgia, she has always known that she wanted to teach fitness classes. By God’s grace, Gracie was in a Transfit 9:30 Strength class three years ago and never left! When Caroline asked her to join the team two years ago, it was an immediate yes. While obtaining her Personal Training Certification, she worked at the front desk for a year.

Gracie credits TransFit for elevating her physically, mentally, and spiritually through workout classes and bible studies. Through the teachings and values at TransFit, she transformed her relationship with fitness and the Lord. Rather than treating exercise like a chore, Gracie believes exercise is an opportunity, not an obligation, to grow in Mind, Body, and Spirit.  

“Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind through Christ.” Romans 12:2

Lisa Williamson

Certified Personal Trainer

My objective during our time together is to help you feel energized, challenged, and encouraged. Whether you are just starting your fitness journey or have been at it for years, let’s start nurturing your health and wellbeing!

Lisa is passionate about helping you become the best version of yourself so you may glorify the Lord in all you do! Her mission is to help you achieve optimal health and wellbeing through a deeper understanding of your habits and lifestyle choices. Lisa is an All-American track and field athlete and coach who knows what it takes to achieve success both on and off the track. She has earned certification as a Health & Wellness Coach through the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaches and holds credentials such as NASM Personal Trainer, AFAA Group Fitness Instructor, CETI Cancer Exercise Specialist, USATF Level 1 Coach.

Her training in a variety of fitness class formats including Pilates, Yoga, Barre, Strength/Circuit Training, and Cycling brings a fun and integrated perspective to sessions. She holds a Master of Education in Sport Management, a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, and a minor in coaching Lisa loves being in community with women who want to make positive changes and achieve their goals!

“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31:24

Lilly Angel

Yoga Instructor

I aim to create a space where people feel uplifted—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Lilly is a senior at the University of Georgia majoring in Exercise and Sports Science with minors in Business and Personal Health & Wellbeing. She is a registered yoga instructor through Yoga Alliance with a lifelong passion for health and wellness.

Beyond yoga, Lilly enjoys cooking nutritious meals and staying active to promote a balanced, joyful life. My faith plays a central role in everything I do, and I feel genuinely blessed to weave God's grace into my yoga practice. Through yoga, I hope to encourage others and bring a little light into the lives of everyone who walks through the TransFit doors!

Elizabeth Norris

Retail Director

I used to be intimidated by the thought of working out in a smaller studio. Once I attended a class at TransFit, I immediately realized what I was missing—a community of like-minded women who encouraged me to be my best self physically, mentally, and spiritually. It is a safe, welcoming place for women of all ages and abilities!

Elizabeth moved to Athens in 2006 with her husband and three children, Sutton, Forde, and Ella. She was a stay-at-home mother while her children were in school and has been a member of the TransFit family for over seven years. She and Tab have been married for 31 years and have three children and a daughter-in-law (Sutton, Forde & Carlyn, and Ella). Tab and Elizabeth are newly empty nesters and stay busy with their children, who are all located in the southeast. Elizabeth is the Retail Director at TransFit, where she blends her love of fashion and merchandising with fitness!

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Abigail Durocher

Living Transformed Podcast Producer

I am so thankful for TransFit and the positive, uplifting environment it cultivates. What a special place that prioritizes maintaining spiritual, mental, and physical well-being! We are so excited to transform you - body, mind, and spirit!

Abigail Dorocher is a native of Athens, Georgia, and is now a student at the University of Georgia pursuing a public relations major with a business minor and an entrepreneurship certificate.

Throughout her college experience, she has cultivated a passion for living a healthy lifestyle physically, spiritually, and mentally. After she wrapped up high school cheerleading and tennis, she discovered a newfound joy for exercising by exploring different activities. Some of Abigail’s favorite workouts include yoga, pilates, and walking.

Through TransFit, Abigail has found new excitement and enjoyment for strength and HIIT training. She loves exercising to celebrate what God created our bodies to do. She emphasizes maintaining healthy spiritual and mental health by reading, cooking, spending time in prayer, and being in nature. Abigail believes that emotional well-being is fundamental to a balanced life.

“For all flesh is like grass, and all its glory like a flower of the grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord endures forever. And this word is the gospel that was proclaimed to you.” 1 Peter 1: 24-25