Faculty & Leadership
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
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.
Our Facility






The Kinesthetic Institute of the Skin & Scalp E.D. is Raleigh, NC's First Trichology Training Institute & Continuing Education Center. We are nestled in the Northern Raleigh, NC area.
​
