About Us -Grip Strength Sports

Deborah Kernes-Nicholson is a devoted wellness professional with an extensive and
holistic educational background that encompasses traditional Asian medicine,
acupuncture, Reiki, sound healing, physical therapy, and holistic health. Holding a
Bachelor’s Degree in International Business from the University of Michigan, which she earned in 1994, Deborah later became a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) in 2011.

Her journey into holistic health deepened at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine
(PCOM) in San Diego, where she obtained Associate Degrees in Health Sciences,
Massage Therapy Certification and Masters in Acupuncture. Following a personal
health challenge—overcoming Stage 3 colon cancer in 2020—Deborah is re-enrolled at PCOM to further her studies in finish her Doctorate in Acupuncture, expanding her
expertise in complementary modalities for healing and wellness.

Throughout her career, Deborah has dedicated herself to mastering various fields,
including sports therapy, rehabilitation, oncology therapy, and pre- and post-operative bariatric care. Her passion for Asian healing practices has taken her on transformative journeys to Thailand, Korea, and China, where she has studied Thai massage, Thai herbal therapy, Ayurveda, and traditional bone setting. Additionally, her extensive skill set includes holistic nutrition, sound healing, breathwork, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT/TFT), and Muay Thai boxing.

As an accomplished entrepreneur, Deborah also founded and operated a successful
floral and events planning business in Solana Beach, CA, which earned recognition,
including features on TLC. With over 20 years of corporate experience in transportation and logistics across the USA, Canada, and Europe, she brings a unique perspective to her wellness practice. Deborah's commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth drives her to continuously expand her knowledge and skills to better serve her clients. Through her diverse approach—whether it’s personal training, massage therapy, or holistic health practices—she is passionate about empowering individuals on their journeys to wellness, helping them achieve balance, resilience, and vibrant health.