Owner, Head Coach
Leah Braden, DPT, CSCS, CPT, CF-L1
Leah (Sharp) Braden, an Oak Ridge native, is bringing her passion for health and fitness back to her hometown. She led the ’97 Oak Ridge Lady Wildcat basketball team to a State Championship and earned a scholarship to the University of North Carolina. A 2-year starter and captain for the Lady Tar Heels, she was named Academic All-ACC and still holds two UNC shooting records.
After graduating, she went on to get a Master’s degree from Belmont University and a Physical Therapy Doctorate degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Leah is a DPT, NASM Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, and Level 1 Certified CrossFit Coach.
She loves fitness and is proud to have a highly qualified team who shares her passion. The KPT staff is committed to sharing their wellness knowledge and building a healthy community.
Andrea Viars
Haley was born in Chicago and moved to Knoxville at a young age. She was a Farragut High School Lady Admiral and went on to graduate from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Vocal Performance. After college, Haley started working for Leah in the fitness industry and found her passion for helping people reach their health goals. She has been training and coaching group fitness classes for three years and is certified through the American Council on Exercise.
Haley is a beautiful combination of Star Wars nerd and Disney Princess. If you convince her to play a Disney tune, she just might sing for you during your workout. Haley loves a good road race and is usually found running in her favorite tutu. The Disney World Marathon Weekend is her favorite. Ask her about her plans for the Dopey Challenge!
Kelsey Forsythe
Kelsey grew up in West Tennessee. From age 5, she excelled on the soccer field. She is a fierce competitor on and off the field. Kelsey earned a degree in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Tennessee. Kelsey is an ACE certified personal trainer, and is excited to bring her passion for health and fitness to the Kinetic community. Kelsey enjoys spoiling her dogs Nelson and Nancy. She loves wine and chocolate and believes life should be all about balance.
Samantha (Sam) H.
Sam Hall is a NASM, Certified Personal Trainer. She has a bachelor of science degree in Health Education and is currently working towards her Pre and Post Natal coaching certification. She has run 2 half marathons, enjoys weight lifting, running, and yoga.
Sam’s focus is on a life about balance with sustainable choices. She focuses on eating healthy and clean, moving daily, and feeling comfortable in your body!
Jayden Bowman
Jayden has had a deep love and passion for physical fitness since he was a seven-year-old boy playing football. His hard work earned hi a spot on the Tennessee Tech football team. Serving four years in the Marine Corps helped him realize his passion for pushing others to reach their full fitness potential and achieve their goals. . Since exiting the Marine Corps in 2023, he went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Jayden pursued his NASM CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) certification. He says he working at Kinetic Performance Training and couldn’t ask for a better team and clients to work and learn under!
Born in Johnson City, Zach has called Oak Ridge home since 2010. Zach is an ORHS grad and was a catcher for the Wildcat baseball team. During his first year at Pellissippi State, Zach played baseball for the BC Athletics team.
His interest in fitness has continued to grow since high school athletics. Zach has been a coaching intern at KPT, and has recently achieved an ACE Fitness Personal Training Certification.
Zach loves dogs, playing guitar and D & D with friends. He is excited to serve his community and help others reach their fitness goals.
Johnny Daniels
Johnny grew up surfing and playing baseball in Brigantine, NJ and then Cocoa Beach, FL. After graduating from The University of Central Florida he moved to East Tennessee with his wife, Jennie. They, along with their three sons, have called Oak Ridge home since 2018. As a family they enjoy swimming, hiking, and camping. There’s a good chance you’ll run into Johnny running a trail at the North Boundary or Haw Ridge.
Johnny is passionate about helping people achieve their goals and has been a coach since 2012. Coach Johnny is a NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) Certified Personal Trainer, CF-L1 (CrossFit Level 1,) CF Kettlebell coach, CF weightlifting coach, and has a nutrition certification through Precision Nutrition (PN1). He is excited to be a part of the KPT team and help make Oak Ridge a stronger, healthier community.
Whitney Hogue
Whitney grew up playing sports. Great hand eye coordination and body awareness allowed her to excel at volleyball, basketball, and softball. She played softball at Costal Carolina University where she graduated with a degree in Health Promotion. Since college, Whitney has found her passion coaching others and helping them reach their goals. She has coached athletes and general population for over ten years.
Chloe W.
Chloe grew up in Oak Ridge. She graduated from the University of Memphis where she competed with the UM Pom Squad. Chloe graduated with a degree in Health Science with a concentration in Exercise, Sport, and Human Movement. She returned to Oak Ridge and completed an internship at Kinetic Performance Training before coming on staff full time.
Chloe loves to dance and brings her awesome energy to make every day more fun!