Who we are

At KGR, we are passionate about the health coaching industry and the positive impact it can have on people’s lives. We believe that health coaching has the potential to transform the way we approach health and wellness, by providing a personalized, holistic approach that addresses the root causes of health issues. Our passion for the industry drives everything we do, from developing comprehensive and innovative training programs to supporting our trainees and graduates as they prepare for the national exam. We are committed to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in the field, and to providing our trainees and graduates with the tools and resources they need to succeed as health coaches.

A group of four people, two women and two men, posing together indoors. The women are standing behind the men. All are smiling and dressed casually, with a light blue wall and large windows in the background.

Our Mission

KGR aspires to lead in empowering students, serving as a bridge to opportunities, and delivering transformative educational experiences that change lives and fortify the bonds of our shared humanity. Our mission at KGR is to unlock access to premium, inclusive health coaching programs that break down barriers, amplify student achievement, cultivate a workforce skilled in global and multicultural practices, and enhance the well-being and quality of life for individuals everywhere.

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    Beth Knott , Au.D., NBC-HWC

    Founder, Director of Curriculum and Development

    Dr. Beth Knott is a National Board Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). and owner of Beth Knott Health Coaching, LLC. In addition to coaching private clients, Beth coaches at the corporate level and has also provided coaching services for currently enrolled students at Randolph Community College in Asheboro, NC. She serves as an instructor for Randolph Community College’s Health and Wellness Coaching Certification Program. In addition to coaching, Beth can be found giving presentations and leading group courses on Active Listening, Mindfulness and Stress Management. Beth holds a doctorate degree in Audiology and served as a pediatric audiologist for 20 years before shifting into health coaching full time. She is highly engaged in her community and serves on a variety of community boards. She is currently fulfilling her second term on the Asheboro City Board of Education. Her motto is: Everyone deserves to feel amazing. One small step at a time!

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    Daffie Garris, NBC-HWC

    Founder, Chief Financial Officer

    Daffie Garris is a proud partner in KGR Health and Wellness Academy, as well as the Owner of Garris Coaching. Daffie is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). She is also a Certified Human Resource Professional-SHPR and SHRM-SCP. She believes in constantly learning and growing and helps others do the same.

    She provided executive leadership in higher education for over twenty-seven years for the North Carolina Community College System. Her last role was Chief Financial Officer/Vice President for Administrative Services. However, her higher education career started as a faculty member and Division Chair. Her first love has always been connecting with students through teaching. She loves to combine her business knowledge with teaching by helping those entrepreneurs who are dreaming of owning their own successful coaching business. She believes education is the key to changing lives. She believes we all have more to learn and there are many ways to grow, but at the same time, we are all awesome right where we are this moment—but why stay there? When not teaching and coaching, you will find her hiking, kayaking and many other outdoor activities.

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    Rae Ritter, NBC-HWC

    Founder, Director of Outreach, Information and Technology

    Rae is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) and owner of Live Moore Coaching.  In addition to coaching private clients, Rae teaches others to become coaches and spent many years working in nutrition and epidemiology research at the University of North Carolina.

    Rae’s personal healing experience led to a journey through studies of eating habits and related diseases, and ultimately inspired Rae to become a health and wellness coach and teacher. Rae has helped clients reverse disease processes, lose weight, and eliminate toxic substances and relationships by providing each with unconditional positive support as they establish self-directed, lasting changes designed to suit their specific needs. Rae’s non-judgmental encouragement creates a respectful space for others to transform into the person they aspire to be. Along this path, Rae has come to believe in our innate capacity for personal change while developing a strong desire to help others live their best life.

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  • Studio Director

    Tim is the mastermind behind KGR’s one of a kind Live Studio. He can be found behind the cameras producing, recording and editing all live and recorded classes.

  • KGR Certification Course Lead Instructor, Lead Corporate Coach, Exam Prep Course Instructor

    Stephanie Cuthbertson had always been captivated by the intricate dance of life within the human body. With a degree in Biology from Columbia University, she spent years delving into the mysteries of health, examining the delicate balance of nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being. This fascination naturally evolved into a passion for health and wellness coaching, leading her to become a National Board Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). When she first heard about KGR, Stephanie felt an immediate sense of belonging. The academy’s mission resonated with her belief that everyone has the power to change, and she couldn’t wait to be part of an organization that nurtured this potential. After enrolling in their program, she immersed herself in the coursework, absorbing every lesson on the coaching process and refining her skills. The more she learned, the more she dreamed of inspiring others as a coach. To her delight, she was invited to become part of their academy. With a mixture of excitement and nervousness, she stepped into that role for the first time. It felt surreal to stand in front of eager minds—individuals at the same crossroads she had once stood at. Over time, she watched as students transformed before her eyes. They went from feeling uncertain to embracing their potential as future health coaches, and it filled her with immense joy. Each graduation ceremony became a milestone, celebrating not just the completion of a course, but the beginning of new journeys for those she had guided.

    https://stephaniechealthcoaching.com/

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  • KGR Certification Course Instructor

    Dr. Nikki Petty-Miles is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), educator, and doctoral-level psychology professional with a deep commitment to adult learning, behavior change, and personal growth. Drawing on her background in psychology, wellness coaching, and group facilitation, she brings a practical, engaging, and compassionate approach to her work, helping students translate theory into meaningful, real-world application. In addition to her coaching and teaching roles, Dr. Petty-Miles serves as the Director of an Abuse Intervention Program, where she applies her expertise to support individuals in creating lasting, positive change.

    “Pursuing the NBC-HWC credential allowed me to combine my psychology background with evidence-based coaching practices in a way that empowers people to become active participants in their own growth. It aligned with my belief that wellness is holistic and that meaningful transformation happens when people feel supported, heard, and capable of creating change from the inside out.”

A woman with a warm smile, wearing gold and pearl jewelry, with long dark dreadlocks adorned with small decorative beads, standing in front of a textured gray wall.
Smiling woman with short gray hair and glasses, outdoors in a forest setting, wearing a black t-shirt and a green hiking vest.
  • KGR Certification Course Instructor

    Kathy is a healthcare educator, board-certified health and wellness coach, and seasoned adult learning professional with more than 40 years of experience in clinical care, education, leadership, and professional development. She brings a well-rounded, integrative approach to her work, combining clinical expertise, evidence-based coaching, mindfulness practices, and instructional design. A graduate of KGR Health and Wellness Academy, Kathy earned her National Board Certification in Health and Wellness Coaching in 2024. She also holds a Master of Science in Organizational Development with a concentration in Adult Learning from Saint Joseph’s University, along with additional degrees in healthcare administration and respiratory care. Her background is further enriched by her work as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200), Reiki Master/Teacher, and mindfulness meditation instructor.

    Throughout her career, Kathy has held a wide range of clinical, leadership, and academic roles, including positions as Faculty at the Gift of Life Institute, Director of Clinical Education in Respiratory Care, Associate Faculty in respiratory care programs, and Manager of Hospital Services for the Gift of Life Donor Program. She is recognized for her expertise in healthcare communication, motivational interviewing, and the development of engaging adult learning experiences across in-person, virtual, and eLearning environments. An accomplished author and international presenter, Kathy has contributed to peer-reviewed publications and delivered presentations across the U.S. and globally on topics such as healthcare education, organ donation systems, and clinical best practices. At KGR Health and Wellness Academy, she is dedicated to helping students build the skills, confidence, and presence needed to become effective, compassionate health and wellness coaches.

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  • KGR Certified IT Support

    Gato spends his days helping Rae with IT Support. Here you see him doing what he does best.

    Gato pasa sus días ayudando a Rae con soporte de TI. Aquí lo ves haciendo lo que mejor sabe hacer.

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