The Team
Meet the
Coaches.
Expert coaches with real-world experience in functional fitness, mobility, and performance. Each one brings a unique background — all sharing the same commitment to helping you move and feel better.
Liz O'Donnell
Hi, I’m Liz, the owner and founder of Thrive Fitness. My passion for health and performance was shaped through my experience as a collegiate basketball player, where I first learned how powerful proper training, recovery, and nutrition can be in helping the body perform and stay resilient. During my athletic career, I experienced a major setback when I tore my ACL, MCL, and meniscus. That injury became a turning point in my life. The process of rebuilding my body and returning to normal movement sparked a deep curiosity about how the body truly works. I began studying functional movement, mobility, and the mechanics behind human performance long before it became a major trend in the fitness industry. Early in my journey, I trained in primal movement patterns, which introduced me to a completely different way of thinking about movement. That experience ignited my curiosity in biomechanics and led me to take a deeper dive into the anatomy and physiology behind functional movement within the body. I became fascinated with how joints move together, how mobility and stability interact, and how proper movement can support both performance and long term health. My professional background now combines sport science, functional nutrition, and movement education. I am a Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS) and have worked with a wide range of individuals across the performance and health spectrum. During my time at McNeese State University, I worked with more than 200 collegiate athletes across programs including baseball, football, men’s and women’s basketball, and softball. That experience deepened my understanding of athlete development, movement efficiency, and injury prevention. In addition to coaching, I have served as an Academic Assistant at LSU of Alexandria, supporting more than 20 courses including Exercise Physiology, Healthcare Management, Economics, and Medical Terminology. This academic experience strengthened my ability to translate complex health and performance concepts into practical strategies that people can apply in everyday life. At Thrive Fitness, I bring these experiences together to help people train with purpose. My approach focuses on mobility training, strength development, recovery, and long term health. I work with youth athletes, adults looking to build sustainable fitness habits, and seniors who want to maintain strength, stability, and independence as they age. A core part of Thrive is teaching people how to move well. I have developed a functional mobility and movement flow system that helps individuals improve joint health, build strength through full ranges of motion, and create sustainable routines that support longevity. Above all, Thrive is about community and connection. I enjoy getting to know every individual who walks through the door and supporting them in their unique health journey. And when you visit the studio, you will likely be greeted by Kobe, my dog and Thrive’s official greeter.
Sara DuBose
Sara is a certified NCSF Strength and Conditioning Coach and Mobility Specialist with a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Performance, concentrating in Sports and Wellness Management. With a well-rounded athletic background in Olympic-style weightlifting, powerlifting, and CrossFit, Sara brings a dynamic and functional approach to fitness and movement training. As a certified Primal Mobility Coach and NCSF-certified Strength and Conditioning Coach, she specializes in functional fitness, mobility development, and performance optimization. Her coaching centers around increasing range of motion, teaching proper movement mechanics, and enhancing overall quality of life for every client—whether they’re athletes, beginners, or individuals looking to move and feel better every day. By blending science-based principles with practical experience, Sara helps clients build resilient bodies, prevent injuries, and achieve sustainable progress through personalized, movement-focused training.
Lillian Cormier
My name is Lillian Cormier, and I am a certified CrossFit coach with eight years of experience in the fitness industry. I am a mother of three children, Jaden, Serenity, and Faith, and I have a passion for helping others achieve their fitness goals. I have overcome personal challenges, including stress and anxiety, and I believe that fitness can be a powerful tool for self-improvement. I am excited to bring my expertise to Thrive Fitness, where we offer a comprehensive approach to fitness that focuses on functional training and overall well-being. Whether you are seeking personalized guidance or group fitness classes, Thrive Fitness is the place to be. We believe that understanding your body’s capabilities and limitations is essential for achieving your fitness objectives. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you and help you reach your full potential.
Michelle Brooks
Michelle Brooks is a former high school and collegiate athlete with over a decade of strength training experience. Before becoming a Certified Personal Trainer, she spent five years as an EMT and worked in a physical therapy clinic, giving her a strong foundation in human movement, injury prevention, and overall wellness. Michelle is passionate about helping people move better, build strength, and create sustainable habits that improve not only their fitness but their overall health and quality of life. She believes exercise should empower you, fit your lifestyle, and leave you feeling stronger both inside and outside the gym. No matter where you're starting, Michelle is excited to meet you where you are and help you become the healthiest, strongest version of yourself.