Staff

Laura Karch - Executive Director/Founder

Laura Karch 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 Gries 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.

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

Angella Smith 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.

Andrew Braga - Trainer

Andrew Braga 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.