About Us
Inclusive space for a fulfilling life.
Founded by Nick Johnson, Liminal Health and Fitness started as a personal experiment to reclaim his health through CrossFit. What Nick discovered along the way was not only the effectiveness of the methodology but also the strength of its inherent community.
As a certified coach, Nick was inspired to share his passion for health and wellness with others. But he believed that fitness should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. So, he opened his garage gym and began offering coaching to his refugee friends and neighbors at a pay-what-you-can rate in the early morning hours before his job.
Word about LHF spread quickly, and soon Nick's garage gym became a non-profit organization that focused on health and wellness in the refugee community. Despite its humble beginnings, LHF has made a significant impact and has now expanded into a commercial facility.
Located in Clarkston, GA, the most diverse square mile in the United States, LHF is an essential part of the community. With 2,000-3,000 refugees resettled in the area each year, LHF's specific interest in making its offerings accessible to the refugee community has transformed the lives of those it serves.
LHF's gym is more than just a place to exercise. It's a sanctuary where refugees can come together, build community, and improve their physical and mental well-being. For many refugees, arriving in a new country can be daunting and isolating, but LHF offers a space where they can connect with others who share similar experiences, make new friends, and feel a sense of belonging.
The story of Liminal Health and Fitness is a testament to the power of one person's passion and determination to make a positive impact in the world. By creating a supportive community and providing accessible health and fitness offerings, LHF is transforming the lives of refugees and inspiring us all to prioritize our health and well-being.
Please consider donating to LHF today. Your contribution will help this amazing organization to continue to provide a safe and welcoming space for refugees to thrive, build community, and improve their lives. Your support will make a real difference and help LHF to continue changing lives for the better.
Meet the Board
President
Johnny Bouchard
Owner, Atlanta Sports Recovery
Johnny comes with 10+ years in the fitness industry where he has previously owned CrossFit affiliates and served as Head Coach. He is a licensed musculoskeletal therapist & coach with a clinical background in sports therapy, rehab, pain science & strength/conditioning. He also holds a Level 3 CrossFit certification among many other fitness certifications.
Treasurer
Erin Davenport
Director of Program Optimization, Friends of Refugees
Erin has worked with Friends of Refugees for many years at the Jolly Ave Community Garden and with Health and Wellbeing, serving in the Clarkston area. She brings expertise working with multiple refugee communities, administrative gifts, and as a former athlete.
Board Member
Dr. Heval Kelli
Cardiologist, Northside Hospital
President, Kurdish American Medical Association
Dr. Heval M. Kelli is a board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and specializes in general non-invasive cardiology and preventive cardiology. When Dr. Kelli's family was welcomed to this country as Kurdish refugees in 2001, he believes many Americans invested in his success, and he is now privileged to give back through medicine. He is a co-founder of several non-profit organizations focused on medical mentorship (Young Physician Initiative & U-Beyond) and healthcare outreach (You4Prevent).
Executive Director, Secretary
Nick Johnson
Founder, Liminal Health & Fitness
Nick began Liminal Health and Fitness because of his passion to help people become the best versions of themselves. In his younger years, he was extremely active as a pitcher in baseball, running track, and lifting weights. Yet after having a few kids, he found himself in his late 30s out of shape and overweight. CrossFit became a transformative experience for him and it wasn't too long before he was in better shape than in high school. He was surprised by the level of community and potential for not just individual but the community-level impact that he found in CrossFit. He began coaching a year later and became certified as a Nutrition Coach.
He holds a CrossFit Level 1 Certification, Precision Nutrition Certification, and a Masters degree from Wheaton University. He has a wife and 3 kids and has resided in the Tucker/Clarkston area for 12 years.
GALLERY
A supportive and inclusive community where optimal health and wellness are accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.
