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.
Haley Ragsdale
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!
Quincy Scates
From Jackson, TN, Quincy played basketball at Tennessee Wesleyan. Since college Q has played professional basketball overseas. He has spent time in 6 different countries (Dubai, UAE, Honduras, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua)
While he was playing, he spent his off-seasons staying in shape and training other people. His training background includes sport specific training and general population.
Quincy is a big movie buff and an even bigger Marvel fan. He loves coloring and anything that allows him to be active. He says, “I’m a fun and goofy guy that will hopefully make you laugh and work hard all at the same time.”
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.
Hailey Rentmeester
Hailey grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin. After earning a BS in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from UW- Eau Claire, she moved to Knoxville in Spring of 2022. She is currently working on an internship as an Olympic Strength and Performance Coach at the University of Tennessee. She is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through NSCA. Hailey is passionate about helping people improve their lives whether it is physically or mentally.
From a young age, Hailey participated in multiple sports. She was raised in an extremely active family with both her parents participating in strength training. If Hailey isn’t in the gym, she spends her time reading her favorite books or watching her favorite show, Criminal Minds.
Josh Slesk
Josh is from Bellingham, WA and grew up playing football and basketball. He graduated from Utah Valley University with a degree in Exercise Science and was a Strength and Conditioning intern for the schools D1 athletic teams.
Josh is a Certified Strength Coach and moved to Knoxville to pursue his DPT at South College. Josh loves getting outside. His all time favorite activities are Mini Golf and spending time with his wife (preferably at the same time).