Team
Laura Karch-Gries
RYT, HHP
Laura Karch-Gries, RYT, HHP is more than just an entrepreneur. She is the embodiment of resilience and the relentless pursuit of wellness. Her journey began with an athletic identity that defined her until a car accident left her paralyzed from the neck down. Courageously battling through years of rigorous rehabilitation, Laura rebuilt her life, discovering new layers of self and a spiritual path that led her to not just regain physical strength but to find the freedom of her soul. As the founder of Awakenings Health Institute, Laura has channeled her experiences to create a thriving fitness and wellness program for neurological disorders. Her reach extends beyond San Diego, as she co-founded Awakenings Health in Raleigh, NC, expanding her mission to promote holistic health and wellness on the east coast. In 2022, Laura launched a podcast, utilizing her expertise as a yoga teacher, meditation guide, life coach, and spiritual advisor to reach an even broader audience. Her journey has been one of endless self-discovery, prompting her to equip others with the tools to navigate their own paths to wholeness and well-being. With a diverse professional background that includes roles as a conscious breathing coach, massage therapist, and neurological disorder fitness and wellness consultant, Laura tackles life’s challenges with a holistic approach that inspires transformation. Her passion for fitness finds its reverberation in her personal interests, whether cycling through the trails of North Carolina, embarking on mindful runs, or simply enjoying a swim with her kids. Laura’s impact is felt not only through her professional roles but also in the intimate connection she forges with every student, client, or listener. As her testimonials echo, her wisdom, compassion, and teaching are truly transformative. Laura Karch-Gries is a beacon of hope and health, an anchor for the journey from injury to inspiration.
Dr. Adam Gries
DACM, L.Ac.
Dr. Adam Gries is a visionary in the field of holistic wellness, renowned for his innovative integration of traditional Chinese medicine with cutting-edge life coaching techniques. With a career that spans over two and a half decades, he has impacted countless lives through his roles as director of Chinese Medicine at San Diego’s Awakenings Health Institute, founder of Awakenings Health in Raleigh, NC, and through various platforms, including a popular podcast launched in 2022.
A licensed acupuncturist and Chinese medical doctor, Adam is a compassionate guide in the pursuit of physical and spiritual harmony. His commitment to providing comprehensive care has led him to pioneer fitness and wellness programs for those with neurological disorders. He brings to his practice a wealth of experience, having worked in both public and private healthcare settings, including a specialized role at Kaiser Permanente where he investigated the effectiveness of acupuncture in hospital treatment protocols.
Adam’s dedication to understanding the interplay of mind, body, and spirit has been shaped by a holistic approach he adopted from the early influence of his family and his personal athletic journey. His unique blend of psychological insights and Eastern medical training empowers individuals to overcome challenges and attain their full potential.
Beyond his professional accolades, Adam is a devoted advocate of a balanced lifestyle, incorporating yoga, meditation, and physical activity into his routine. A father who cherishes family time and a lover of the outdoors, he embodies the principles of holistic living that he imparts to his clients.
By launching his podcast, Dr. Gries extends his reach to a wider audience, sharing wisdom and practices that have the power to transform lives. As an accomplished author of a children’s book, I CHOOSE YOU he extends his commitment to wellness to all ages, inspiring growth and self-awareness at any life stage.
For those seeking lasting transformations in their health and well-being, Dr. Adam Gries is a beacon of holistic care, offering not just treatment for the body, but also nourishment for the soul.