Meet the Uplift Fitness Center Team

Hey y’all! I’m Hayley, owner and founder of Uplift. It is truly my passion to help our community level up through a more holistic and traditional approach to fitness and nutrition. I keep it honest, consistent, and bring the ENERGY!! I’m so grateful and blessed to see this community growing and continuing to support one another alongside the best team! Come LEVEL UP with us!

Katie is a founding member of Uplift Fitness Center and has been invested in our gym since before the doors ever opened. She is one-of-a-kind, high energy, and you’ll never leave a class without being encouraged and challenged to push yourself. Katie is a wife, mom, loves fitness and is passionate about inspiring and helping others.

Rachel has trained in mixed martial arts for several years, holds a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and has a love for combative sports. We love incorporating her experience into our classes. Rachel teaches cardio kickboxing where you are sure to experience a high intensity workout while learning fun striking combinations. Rachel is passionate about helping you and encouraging your interest in combat sports!

Hi, I’m Ashley! I started my fitness journey as a participant in group exercise classes 16 years ago and decided to encourage and teach others to reach their health and fitness goals.

I have completed my Personal Trainer Certification through AFAA. Fitness and health are a priority and passion in my life, and I enjoy sharing them with others! I strongly believe that exercise and nutrition are a lifestyle, not the latest fad, commercial, or quick fixes. Connecting with others encourages and motivates you to get started, keep going, and push yourself. I am excited to be part of the Uplift coaching team and supporting the goals toward making lifestyle changes of each member.

When I am not at the gym, I am teaching special education preschool at Upson-Lee Pre-K. My husband, Mark, and I have a blast cycling on the road together!

I’m Leila Thompson. Raised here in good ole pike county since I was 4 years old. I graduated from Pike County High and furthered my Education at Jacksonville State University in Alabama. I Played 4 years of collegiate D1 softball and got my bachelors degree in Exercise Science and Wellness. I came home to my roots and became a community coach for the Lady Pirates Softball program at the high school. I have been exposed to various ways to move my body. I love lifting weights just as much as I do a long outdoor walk. I love the feeling of helping people get one step closer to their goals! Come train with me, let’s have fun improving your lifestyle one day at a time!

Hi, I’m Amber! I fell in love with working out years ago, and that fire has only grown stronger with time. Powerbuilding and lifting heavy are my happy place, and nothing excites me more than helping others discover their own strength.

I became a trainer to share what lifting has given me: confidence, resilience, and the belief that strong is something we can build at any age or stage. Whether you’re stepping into your first class or chasing a new PR, I’m here to guide you, challenge you, and cheer you on every step of the way.
Let’s get strong together!

Fitness trainer, combat sports athlete, and firefighter, dedicated to building stronger, better-conditioned clients. I specialize in combat sports-style strength & conditioning, helping clients to develop the power, endurance, mobility, functionality and mental toughness they need to perform when it matters most. My training is built around real-world performance—not just looking fit, but being ready for the fight, the competition, the demands of the job, or everyday life.