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Staff

Laura Karch - Executive Director/Founder

Laura personally experienced spinal cord injury resulting in a C5/C6 contusion, fracture and subluxation after a hit and run crash; she recovered to the point where the normal eye can’t recognize residuals of the injury. At the time of the crash, her dream was to compete in women¹s tennis, then open a unique facility catering to athletes and the healthy nutrition and lifestyle associated with athletics. Although the crash ended much of that dream, she never really lost the ambition to open a distinctive facility catering to well-motivated, highly specialized people. Her motivation was re-directed toward using her particular tragedy to help others in similar situations.

After graduating with a B.S. in exercise physiology (with a minor in biomechanics) from the University of Delaware, Laura gained five years of experience at the gait training facility at Nemour's Children’s Hospital in Wilmington, Del., working with children who had cerebral palsy. Laura then completed the Life Change Program at the Hippocrates Health Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida, and got a job at a spa in Palm Beach. In September 2001, she moved to San Diego, where she became a Certified Massage Therapist after completing her training at the International Professional School of Bodywork. She then worked as a personal trainer for a spinal cord recovery clinic, where she interacted extensively with people facing problems and limitations similar to those she endures. Bonding to and learning from these exceptional people, she (together with her friend, Heather) realized her dream by opening Awakenings Health Institute.

Laura's unique approach to engaging clients is derived from her personal and unfettered drive for perfection in everything she attempts, no matter what odds she has to work against; the "techniques" she used on herself; her superb personality and sincere interest in patient needs; her ability to make others WANT to do as she does; and simple hope. She knows firsthand that clients are undertaking the greatest challenge they’ll ever face—maintaining the drive to help themselves recover—and she represents a wonderful role model. Laura earned the “Hall of Fame Award for Determination” from Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Center in Allentown, Penn.

Adam Gries, L.A.C. - Director of Health Services / Acupuncture

Adam maintains a balanced approach to his acupuncture practice. He continually enhances his skill set, recently completing a 500-hour apprenticeship in Australia on Japanese technique, a subtle and painless approach that affects the deepest levels of imbalances within the energetic systems coursing through the body. In addition, Adam has worked extensively using a more physical approach to treatments that focuses on imbalances in the musculoskeletal system.

Adam’s background in physical therapy and his ability to bring balance to the body’s musculoskeletal system have afforded him the chance to work with professional athletes worldwide as well as people suffering from debilitating injuries. He leads an active lifestyle and knows how important it is on a mental and spiritual level to be able to get through a day without having to focus on physical problems. He has dedicated his life to helping people bring balance back into their lives so each day is a little more enjoyable.

Chris Capitelli - Director of Client Resources / Massage Therapist / Lead Trainer

Chris Capitelli has always had a passion and fascination with the human body and it's workings. This passion led him to the Boulder College of Massage Therapy in Boulder, Colorado. After graduating with his certification in Massage Therapy in 2002, Chris went on to receive his Associates Degree in Occupational Studies in Massage Therapy from BCMT. This degree included training in medical massage, trauma and the body, and craniosacral therapy. 

After graduating from BCMT, Chris gained valuable experience working in chiropractic offices, wellness centers, as well as maintaining a private practice. Then in 2006, he was offered the opportunity to join the Awakenings Health Institute staff. Awakenings is a center for neurological disorders located in Solana Beach, California. Chris jumped at the opportunity to work with those struggling to regain function and independence, things that most take for granted. He picked up and moved halfway across the country to take on this challenge.

Chris's title at Awakenings is the Director of Client Resources, but he is involved with every aspect of AHI. In addition to his administrative duties and tending to client needs, Chris is also a trainer in the intensive exercise program and a therapist in health services department. It is through this involvement in every facet of the program that has given Chris a unique and profound understanding of neurological disorders, and the struggles one faces when confronted with this opportunity.

Matt McCall - Kinesiologist / Functional Trainer / Massage Therapist

Matt obtained a B.S. in Kinesiology with an emphasis in physical therapy focusing in adaptive rehabilitation from San Diego State. Upon completion of his degree at SDSU Matt quickly enrolled in a two year Holistic Health Practitioner program at IPSB College, here in San Diego, specializing in many western and eastern styles of massage and bodywork. While in college he interned at the SDSU Adult Fitness Clinic where the clientele ranged from individuals with strokes, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, muscular dystrophy, and more. He has also worked as a Physical Therapist Aide throughout and post college. Upon completing his schooling at IPSB he was looking for a way to incorporate both areas of education, massage and rehabilitation/training; he found that here at Awakenings.

Angela Smith, D.C. - Chiropractor / Nutrition Consultant

Dr. Angela Smith received a Bachelors of Science Degree in Human Biology and a Doctorate in Chiropractic from Clevland College in Kansas City Missouri.

For the past twelve years she has studied alternative healing methods in various medical settings and has developed a passion for wellness care and prevention.  Her approach to chiropractic care is much more than the traditional adjustment.  She combines many styles of massage movement therapy and energy work to deliver a customized session for each client based on their individual needs. 

Her mission is to inspire and empower others to take control of their health using simple nutritional choices and lifestyle practices and to educate on the vital role that food has in maintaining or regaining a state of optimal health.  She is currently taking time off from body work to concentrate on promoting her new business venture, Conscious Nutrition, with business partner Heather Fleming.

Chad Phillips E.P., L.M.T.

With a B.S. in Exercise Physiology from Chico State and twelve years of experience in the field of Rehabilitation Chad Phillips is a licensed and broadly trained professional. As a Massage Therapist, Physical Therapist Aide and Physiotherapist, Chad has worked in various Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Facilities. Within these facilities he has helped patients recover from Spinal Injuries, Post Surgical Procedures, Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia, Spinal Stenosis, Sciatica and a number of different injuries.

He is very familiar with various types of rehabilitation methods for different injuries, pains, and stresses. His work experience has given him the opportunity to learn different modalities and strategies to help people get well and maintain their health.  Chad is dedicated to a multi-disciplined approach that brings aspects of Alternative and Western therapies together, helping patients reach their goals as quickly and effectively as possible.

Andrea Plichta - Pilates Instructor / Massage Therapist

Andrea Plichta received her Masters of Science Degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine from Southwest Acupuncture College in Boulder, Colorado.  She has spent one year in a post graduate mentorship with Whitfield Reaves specializing in Orthopedic and injury rehabilitation.

Andrea has been studying alternative therapies and western medicine for over ten years incorporating different modalities to provide a treatment plan that is specific for that individual.  A conjunction between eastern and western medicine is what should be cultivated.  She is a licensed massage therapist accredited by NCTMB since 2000 she incorporates Thai massage with neuromuscular and Asian bodywork (acupressure and meridian therapy).  She is also trained in Pilates and nutrition. 

She understands the focus that should be placed on health and its three-fold pyramid, the physical/nutritional, the mental/emotional and the spiritual.  She works together with clients to help educate and realize their greatest potential.  Health is a lifelong process, one that is always changing just as the person who lives it. 

Andrew Braga - Trainer

Andrew studied Health Sciences and Nutrition at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.  In August 2007, Andrew moved to San Diego to pursue his fitness career.  His training experience includes several different populations, including amateur bodybuilders, and a retired mixed-martial arts fighting champion. He has also worked as a physical therapy aide in a center for orthopedics and sports medicine.  After visiting Awakenings Health Institute, Andrew decided to challenge his fitness skills by committing to work with persons who have neurological disorders.  After completing an internship at Awakenings, Andrew was hired as a trainer. Today, he continues to learn from Laura, Heather, and other experienced trainers’ examples while combining his own style into his work. Andrew also holds a personal training certification from the American Council on Exercise.

Zach Houston - Functional Trainer

Zach is a certified Advanced Health and Fitness Specialist through the American Council on Exercise. He obtained his undergraduate degree from Weber State University in Ogden, UT with a core emphasis in Sports Medicine, Biology, and Chemistry. While attending WSU, Zach was an avid snow skier and began competing in Big Mountain Telemark competitions. This experience provided him the opportunity to travel throughout the world to work with other professional athletes and cinematographers.  As an athlete, he has endured many personal injuries both physically and mentally. This experience has given Zach the knowledge of what it takes to conquer those setbacks by staying optimistic and training hard. This parallels the mental challenges his clients at AHI go through on a daily basis.
 
He recently moved to Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California to pursue his career in the fitness, health and wellness industry and also to practice his second love, surfing. As a professional athlete and functional trainer, here at Awakenings, he enjoys sharing his knowledge and determination with the clients.

Medical & Coaching Support

Rafe Eric Biggs, PhD. - Psychologist

Dr. Biggs is a leadership coach, psychologist and social advocate who has coached individuals and groups for more than 15 years. He’s worked with a diverse range of clients, including corporate leaders, small business owners and individuals experiencing a life change. Dr. Biggs earned his doctorate in organizational psychology from Alliant International University, San Francisco and Certified Master Somatic Coach™ from Strozzi Institute. Having experienced his own life change from a spinal cord injury, he knows personally the challenges faced by those who experience similar trauma and the importance of having a supportive community.

Dr. Frank Starks, Ph.D.

Frank has been a personal and organizational Diversity coach for 15 years, with 10 years experience working in Corporate America.  He has coached several managers from the healthcare, education, business, and government sectors on life/work relationships.  Dr. Starks advocates coaching for creative and balanced life/work alternatives, including the use of community and healthcare mentorships to facilitate the understanding and learning process for health-care professionals and others who care for those in need.  Dr. Starks excels at helping people and organizations diffuse misunderstandings that arise through preconceived ideas of how "it should be", with regard to such things as race, gender, age, sexuality, disability, etc.  Dr. Starks and his wife have been married for 26 years and have raised three children.

Dr. Starks assists with our Somatic Coaching programs. To contact Dr. Starks, please email him at: drfstarks@yahoo.com