KISSED University of Healing Arts & Sciences

Founded 2016 | University Expansion Established 2025
Raleigh, North Carolina

Our Story

KISSED University of Healing Arts & Sciences was established as the academic evolution of a healing mission that began in 2016 through Kissed By C.Von, LLC, a wellness-centered organization dedicated to restoring health through education, holistic practice, and community care.

As client needs expanded beyond services into education, the Kinesthetic Institute of the Skin & Scalp was formed in 2022 to provide structured professional training in trichology, scalp science, and integrative wellness practices.

Recognizing the growing demand for practitioner education rooted in both science and holistic understanding, the organization expanded into a nonprofit educational model through the establishment of Kinesthetic Institute of the Skin & Scalp E.D.

In 2025, KISSED University of Healing Arts & Sciences was introduced as the institution’s academic division, advancing the organization into a university framework dedicated to professional education in the Healing Arts and Integrative Sciences.

Today, KISSED University serves as a learning institution preparing practitioners, educators, and wellness leaders equipped to address health from a root-cause and whole-person perspective.

Our Mission

KISSED University of Healing Arts & Sciences exists to advance education in the healing arts by developing knowledgeable, ethical, and purpose-driven practitioners who understand that healing begins with the healer.

We integrate scientific understanding, holistic principles, behavioral insight, and clinical application to prepare graduates to serve individuals, families, and communities through informed healing practices.

Our Vision

To become a leading institution recognized for redefining higher education through integrative healing sciences, practitioner-based learning, and transformational education that restores the connection between wellness, science, and human development.

Our Educational Philosophy

At KISSED University, education extends beyond information transfer.

We believe effective healers must understand:

The science of the human body
The psychology of behavior and healing
Environmental and lifestyle influences on health
Preventative and restorative wellness practices
Ethical responsibility in practitioner care

Our programs emphasize applied learning, clinical exposure, and personal development, ensuring graduates are prepared not only to practice, but to lead within the evolving wellness and integrative health industries.

Areas of Study

KISSED University provides professional education and credential pathways in:

Trichology & Scalp Sciences
Herbal Medicine & Botanical Studies
Holistic Health & Functional Wellness
Integrative Healing Sciences
Practitioner Development & Behavioral Healing

Programs are offered through hybrid, online, and clinical learning environments designed for working professionals and aspiring practitioners.

A Legacy of Healing Education

What began as a clinical practice has grown into an educational institution committed to preserving healing knowledge while advancing professional standards within holistic and integrative health fields.

KISSED University stands at the intersection of tradition, science, and innovation, preparing a new generation of healers equipped to educate, restore, and transform lives.

Institutional Leadership

Dr. Christy Vonta Bell, PhD, DTS, HHP, BCT, LC, LCI
Founder & Chancellor
KISSED University of Healing Arts & Sciences

Dr. Christy Vonta is an educator, researcher, and integrative health practitioner dedicated to advancing practitioner education and expanding access to the healing arts and sciences. She holds a PhD in Psychology and is a Board-Certified Doctor of Trichology Science, Board-Certified Trichologist, Board-Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, and Licensed Educator.

Her work bridges psychology, holistic health, functional medicine, and clinical trichology, emphasizing root-cause wellness, behavioral understanding, and transformational learning within practitioner education.

Since founding Kissed By C.Von in 2016, Dr. Vonta has developed clinical and educational programs that led to the establishment of the Kinesthetic Institute of the Skin & Scalp and the expansion into KISSED University of Healing Arts & Sciences, where she serves as Chancellor and Academic Architect of the university’s integrative educational model.

Our Commitment

KISSED University of Healing Arts & Sciences is committed to:

Academic integrity
Ethical practitioner development
Community impact
Lifelong learning
Advancement of the Healing Arts

KISSED University of Healing Arts & Sciences
Raleigh, North Carolina, USA

We kiss the mind, teach the wisdom, and make the mission better.

About KISSED University

OUR STORY

Why KISSED University Exists

WHY KISSED UNIVERSITY EXISTS

Healing Deserves Education.

For generations, people searching for healing have often been given temporary solutions instead of understanding.

Professionals were trained to treat symptoms.

Communities were taught to depend on products rather than knowledge.

And many individuals called to help others heal were never given a place to truly learn the science, responsibility, and depth behind that calling.

KISSED University of Healing Arts & Sciences exists to change that.

The Problem We Saw

Across the wellness, beauty, and health industries, practitioners frequently encounter individuals struggling with concerns that extend beyond surface-level care.

Hair loss connected to internal imbalance.

Stress expressed through the body.
Lifestyle patterns influencing long-term wellness.

Yet traditional education pathways rarely connect these systems together.

Many professionals graduate skilled in technique, but without the deeper understanding necessary to guide lasting transformation.

Healing requires more.

Our Response

KISSED University was created to restore the connection between education and healing.

Our institution integrates:

Science and holistic wellness
Clinical observation and behavioral understanding
Practitioner skill and personal transformation

Because effective healing begins when knowledge meets awareness.

We believe education should prepare practitioners not only to perform services, but to understand people.

Healing Begins With the Healer

At KISSED University, students are challenged to grow both professionally and personally.

A healer cannot pour clarity into confusion.
A practitioner cannot guide transformation without understanding it themselves.

For this reason, our educational model emphasizes self-awareness, ethical responsibility, and intentional practice alongside academic learning.

We do not simply train professionals.

We develop informed healers.

A New Model of Higher Education

KISSED University represents an emerging approach to education within the healing arts.

Our programs combine:

Academic instruction
Applied clinical learning
Integrative wellness science
Behavioral insight
Practitioner development

This model prepares graduates for evolving careers within holistic health, trichology, wellness education, and integrative practitioner fields.

Our Commitment to Community

Healing has always existed within communities long before it entered formal institutions.

KISSED University honors that legacy by creating accessible educational pathways that empower individuals to serve their families, clients, and communities with knowledge and integrity.

Education becomes impact when it extends beyond the classroom.

The Future We Are Building

We envision a future where healing arts education stands alongside traditional academic disciplines, recognized for its contribution to prevention, restoration, and human well-being.

KISSED University exists to help build that future.

One practitioner.
One student.
One transformed life at a time.

KISSED University of Healing Arts & Sciences
Raleigh, North Carolina

“We kiss the mind, teach the wisdom, and make the mission better.” 💜

Our Educational Model: NeoTrichology™

Learn More About NeoTrichology™

At the heart of KISSED University is NeoTrichology™—a holistic framework that recognizes hair and scalp conditions as expressions of deeper internal and emotional patterns.

Our model weaves together:

Trichology Science
Hair and scalp structure, conditions, assessment, and non-surgical approaches to promote healthier hair and scalp.
Herbal Science & Apothecary
Herbal energetics, materia medica, blending, and safe, practical herbal support for common concerns.
Holistic Health & Functional Principles
Gut health, stress, lifestyle, and environmental factors that may impact skin, hair, energy, and overall well-being.
Psychology & Trauma-Informed Care
The emotional impact of hair loss, self-image, identity, and the importance of safe, validating client interactions.
Practice & Business Building
Case documentation, client journey design, pricing, ethical boundaries, and building sustainable, aligned practices.

Learning takes place through:

Structured online video modules and readings
Assignments and case studies that mimic real client scenarios
Optional in-person labs and workshops for hands-on experience
Advanced capstone or research projects at higher degree levels

Our goal is not to create “quick fix technicians,” but well-rounded practitioners who respect their scope, collaborate when needed, and are deeply grounded in both knowledge and integrity.

NeoTrichology

Meet Our Founder

Dr. Christy Vonta, PhD, DTS, MIS, BCIS, MHIM, CT, LCI, HHP, MH

Founder & President | KISSED University of Healing Arts & Sciences

Dr. Christy Vonta, is the visionary Founder and President of KISSED University of Healing Arts & Sciences. With an impressive portfolio of credentials—including PhD, DTS, MIS, BCIS, MHIM, CT, LCI, HHP, and MH—she stands as a global leader in Trichology, Herbal Medicine, and Holistic Health Sciences.

Dr. C. pioneered the discipline of NeoTrichology™, a groundbreaking integration of trichology, herbal medicine, and psychology that creates a new paradigm of healing from the scalp inward. Her work bridges advanced clinical science with holistic, trauma-informed care, shaping the future of education and practice in hair and scalp health.

Over her career, Dr. C. serves as a Certified Trichologist, Doctor of Trichology Science, Master Herbalist, Licensed Cosmetologist, Licensed Instructor, Board-Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, mentor, author, international speaker, and holds a PhD in Psychology. She has dedicated her life to training practitioners worldwide, advancing the standard of education, and creating innovative treatment protocols that transform lives.

At KISSED University, she leads with a vision rooted in the KISSED values—Knowledge, Integrity, Science, Solutions, Education, and Development—equipping students to become confident leaders in holistic health, integrative wellness, and scalp science. Beyond her academic leadership, Dr. Christy Vonta continues to inspire through her writings, coaching, and advocacy for generational healing, embodying her lifelong commitment to “Kissing the Mind, Teaching the Wisdom, and Making the Mission Better.”

Accreditation & Affiliations

KISSED University of Healing Arts & Sciences is a private holistic education institution professionally accredited by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP) and recognized by independent holistic accreditation and standards commissions, including the Accreditation Commission for Integrative Sciences (ACIS), the Institute & Board of Trichology & Herbal Medicine (IBTHM), and the Accreditation Commission for Holistic Trichology & Health Schools (ACHTHS). These are non-governmental, professional bodies that review curriculum, ethics, and quality within holistic health, Trichology, and herbal education. KISSED University is not accredited by any U.S. Department of Education or CHEA-recognized agency, and our programs do not lead to state medical licensure. Our professional credentials and certifications represent professional holistic training and board-recognized credentials within these fields.

American Association of Drugless Practitioners

Accreditation Commission for Integrative Sciences

International Board of Trichology & Holistic Medicine

Who We Serve

KISSED University is designed for:

Aspiring Holistic Practitioners

People who feel called to holistic work and want structured education in Trichology, herbal science, or holistic health. You may be new to the field, but you know you are meant to support others.

Licensed Beauty & Wellness Professionals

Cosmetologists, barbers, braiders, estheticians, locticians, nail techs, massage therapists, and spa owners who want to:

Understand hair and scalp on a deeper level
Add Trichology or holistic wellness services
Create more meaningful, results-driven experiences for clients

Health, Ministry, and Coaching Professionals

Coaches, counselors, clergy, wellness leaders, and other helpers who already serve people and now want:

A holistic framework to better support those they lead
Education that honors both science and story
Credentials that reflect their commitment to ongoing learning

Leaders & Educators

Practitioners ready to build clinics, education centers, movements, and brands who seek higher-level professional credentials at a master level to match their vision.

Explore Professional Credentials

Join the KISSED Movement

KISSED University of Healing Arts & Sciences is more than a catalog of courses—it is a movement for those who believe that:

Hair loss is a message, not a random misfortune.
The body is always communicating.
Education should heal the student as much as it equips the practitioner.

If you are ready to:

Receive clear, structured, holistic training
Be part of a community that values integrity, compassion, and excellence
Turn your calling into a credible, sustainable practice

…we invite you to take the next step.

Apply Now

Speak With an Advisor

Faculty & Leadership

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

FACULTY & LEADERSHIP

our team is comprised of licensed professionals with over 80 yrs of combined experience and expertise in education, holistic health, and healing. We are passionate about what we do and ensuring that all of our scholars excel in their perspective disciplines.

Director/Founder

Dr. Christy Vonta

Dr. Christy Vonta, known as “The Kissologist,” is the Founder and President of KISSED University of Healing Arts & Sciences. A Certified Trichologist, Master Herbalist, licensed cosmetologist and instructor, and board-certified Holistic Health Practitioner, she has pioneered the discipline of NeoTrichology™, integrating trichology, herbal medicine, and psychology into a new paradigm of healing.

With decades of experience in the beauty, health, and wellness industries, Dr. C has trained and mentored professionals globally, advancing the standard of education in trichology and holistic health sciences. Her groundbreaking work bridges the gap between clinical science and holistic healing, offering students and practitioners innovative pathways to address the root causes of hair and scalp disorders.

Dr. C leads with a vision to provide transformative education rooted in the KISSED values—Knowledge, Integrity, Science, Solutions, Education, and Development—equipping students to become leaders in holistic health and scalp science worldwide. Beyond the classroom, she is a thought leader, author, and advocate for trauma-informed care, committed to creating generational healing through education, research, and community impact.

Accreditation Manager

Ayana Crawford

Ayana Crawford, MEd, is the Director of Accreditation at KISSED University of Healing Arts & Sciences. She leads the institution through every stage of the accreditation process, ensuring compliance, quality assurance, and continuous improvement across all programs.

With more than 19 years of experience in education, Ayana has served as a classroom teacher in Early Childhood and Elementary I, district liaison to the school board and superintendent, grade level chair, curriculum coach, and athletic director. Her expertise spans instructional leadership, curriculum development, and institutional accountability, giving her a unique ability to strengthen both academic standards and student outcomes.

Ayana’s passion for excellence in education and her proven leadership make her a vital force in positioning KISSED University as a premier, globally recognized institution for Trichology, Herbal Medicine, and Holistic Health Sciences.

Director of Student Affairs

ChiYana Cooper

ChiYana is a Licensed Esthetician, Licensed Cosmetologist, Associate Trichologist, Master Herbalist, and Board-Certified Holistic Health Practitioner. She specializes in natural skincare and holistic solutions, with a focus on promoting wellness through integrative approaches to skin, hair, and scalp health.

As the Director of Student Affairs, ChiYana provides dedicated support and guidance to students throughout their academic journey at KISSED University. She ensures that every student receives the resources, encouragement, and mentorship needed to thrive both academically and personally. Her blend of technical expertise, holistic practice, and commitment to student success makes her an invaluable leader within the KISSED University community.

Director of Integrative Wellness & Athletics

Latoya Harrison

Latoya Harrison is a Master Herbalist, Infusion Specialist, licensed educator, athletic director, and holistic wellness coach with more than 20 years of experience in education and athletics. As the Director of Integrative Wellness & Athletics at KISSED University, she blends her expertise in herbal medicine, wellness coaching, and athletic leadership to support the health, balance, and success of students. Her commitment to integrative approaches ensures that both mind and body are nurtured for optimal academic and personal performance.

Ethics & Compliance Manager

Teri Jackson

With more than 30 years of experience as a Licensed Cosmetologist, Teri Jackson brings a wealth of knowledge, integrity, and professional excellence to KISSED University. A Licensed Instructor, Certified Trichologist, and Master Herbalist, she has built a respected career as a business owner, beauty store manager, and district manager of salons.

Now serving as the Ethics & Compliance Manager for KISSED University, Teri oversees policy alignment, professional standards, academic integrity, and institutional compliance across all programs. Her deep industry insight, strong ethical leadership, and commitment to student success ensure that KISSED University operates with transparency, accountability, and the highest level of professionalism.

Director of Natural Hair & Esthetics Partnerships

DiShawn Edwards

DiShawn Edwards is a licensed cosmetologist, licensed cosmetology instructor, cranial prosthesis specialist, and the owner of VIP by Seven Academy. She brings extensive experience in natural hair education, esthetics, and licensure preparation within the state of North Carolina.

As a proud KISSED University alumna, DiShawn holds Board Certification as a Trichologist and Board Certification in Herbal Medicine, allowing her to bridge holistic health principles with licensed beauty education. Her professional focus includes scalp and hair health, cranial prosthesis services, natural hair mastery, and esthetics training aligned with state licensure standards.

Through a strategic partnership with KISSED University of Healing Arts & Sciences, DiShawn serves as the external referral partner for students seeking state licensure in Natural Hair and Esthetics. While KISSED University provides advanced holistic education, trichology science, and professional credentialing pathways, students desiring licensure are referred to VIP by Seven Academy for enrollment, instruction, and state board preparation.

DiShawn is committed to elevating industry standards, empowering students through education, and ensuring a clear pathway between holistic training and licensed professional practice.

VIP by Seven Academy operates independently from KISSED University of Healing Arts & Sciences. Enrollment, tuition, licensure instruction, and certification for Natural Hair and Esthetics programs are administered solely through VIP by Seven Academy.