My Education
My Educational Background and Qualifications
Kelli Hughart, PhD(c), RM/T, CPC, FMCHC, NCCA, CH, BCHt
Mind-body Medicine Expert | Clinical Herbalist/Aromatherapist | Functional Medicine Health Coach | Reiki Master Teacher | Integrative Medicine Hypnotherapist(BCHt)
As of 2025
Personal Information and Summary
Master Clinical Herbalist
Master Clinical Aromatherapist
Reiki Master/Teacher
Professional Certified Coach (Trauma Informed Narcissistic Recovery Coach)
Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach
Mind-Body Medicine Practitioner
Board Certified Hypnotherapist
Certified Stress Management Consultant/Educator
Integrative Hypnosis Practitioner
Education:
B.A. in Liberal Arts(2001, GPA 3.20)
M.A. in Elementary Education(2004, GPA 3.94)
Ph.D. Candidate(Saybrook University) – College of Integrated Medicine, specializing in Mind-Body Medicine, Stress Management, and Clinical & Applied Hypnosis(3.94)
Certifications, CEUs, and Credentials:
Board Certified Hypnotherapist (IACT)
Trauma and Transpersonal Hypnotherapy (Charlotte Institute of Hypnotherapy)
Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach (FMCA)
Cognitive Behavioral Hypnotherapy (UK)
CPR/AED Certified
Reiki Master/Teacher (Traditionally Apprenticed)
Cognitive Behavioral and Trauma-informed Coaching
Breathwork Facilitator
Sexual Hypnosis for Intimacy Issues
Somatic Hypnosis
Psychological First Aid Certified
Integrative Hypnosis
Coaching the Unconscious Mind
MORE!
Specialized Studies & Holistic Expertise:
Holistic health fields (herbalism, folk medicine, naturopathy, animal care, functional medicine, etc for 40 years)
Advanced studies and Workshops with industry leaders (e.g., Matthew Wood, Demetria Clark, Rosemary Gladstar, Phyllis Light, Paul Bergner, and David Winston)
Martial arts training (5th Dan in TKD) and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Specialized Advanced Courses:
Mitochondrial Nutrition, Functional Diagnoses, and Natural Women’s Health
Herbalism and Cardiology
Medical Herbalism/Aromatherapy for Psychoneuroimmunology
Memberships:
NAHA (NCCA Clinical Aromatherapist)
American Herbalists Guild (AHG)
United Plant Savers
Core Profession
Helping individuals through recovery from complex stress disorders (PTSD, CPTSD, and Burnout) using evidence-based coaching techniques. Passionate about empowering clients through functional medicine and mindfulness practices to improve well-being and resilience.
Core Skills and Expertise
Clinical Hypnosis & Trauma Recovery
Functional Medicine & Health Coaching
Herbalism & Aromatherapy
Mind-Body Medicine & Stress Management
Reiki Healing & Energy Work
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Techniques
Public Speaking & Workshop Facilitation
Integrative and Trauma-Informed Coaching
Stress Management
Education & Academic Qualifications
Ph.D. Candidate– Saybrook University
Specialty: Mind-Body Medicine, Clinical Hypnosis, PTSD/CPTSD Recovery
M.A. in Elementary Education– (2004)
GPA: 3.94
B.A. in Liberal Arts (Science Focus)– (2001)
GPA: 3.20
Certifications & Professional Credentials
Board Certified Hypnotherapist– IACT
Trauma and Transpersonal Hypnotherapy– Charlotte Institute of Hypnotherapy
Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach– FMCA
Cognitive Behavioral Hypnotherapy– UK
Reiki Master/Teacher– Traditional Apprenticeship (2008–Present)
Certified Results Coach
West Virginia Master Naturalist
CPR/AED Certified
Psychological First Aid Certified
Work Experience & Leadership
Health and Wellness Consultant | Self-Employed(2008 – Present)
Provide individualized health coaching services, specializing in PTSD, burnout, and chronic stress recovery using mind-body practices and hypnosis.
Designed and facilitated over 50 workshops on herbal medicine, functional health, and emotional recovery.
Coached hundreds of clients on lifestyle changes through functional medicine principles, resulting in measurable health improvements.
Created training materials and mentoring programs for students in herbalism and trauma recovery.
Holistic Health Practitioner | Clinical Herbalist & Aromatherapist(2004 – Present)
Conducted assessments and developed personalized wellness plans integrating herbal remedies, aromatherapy, and lifestyle changes.
Collaborated with physicians and wellness teams to support patients with chronic illnesses through integrative care.
Trained apprentices in advanced herbalism techniques and led public speaking engagements at industry conferences.
Managed herbal product formulation, including botanical extracts, teas, and essential oils, for retail distribution.
Martial Arts Instructor(2004 – Present)
Train individuals in Taekwondo (5th Dan) and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, incorporating wellness coaching into martial arts training.
Taught mindfulness practices, such as Tai Chi, to improve students’ physical and emotional well-being.
Conferences & Continuing Education
Medicine from the Earth Conference(2008–Present)
Traditions in Western Herbalism Conference(2014)
American Herbalists Guild Annual Conference(2010)
South East Women’s Herbal Conference
Advanced Specialized Studies
Master Herbalist Certification– Heart of Herbs School (2,600 hours)
Master Aromatherapist Certification– Heart of Herbs School (650 hours)
French Aromatherapy– East-West School of Aromatherapy
Mindfulness in Clinical Care– CEU Certification
Mitochondrial Nutrition and Functional Inflammology– Dr. Alex Vasquez
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) & Hypno-EMDR Training– UK
Integrative Hypnosis Practitioner Course
Memberships & Affiliations
NAHA (NCCA Clinical Aromatherapist)
American Herbalists Guild (AHG)
United Plant Savers
Professional Summary
Certified Clinical Herbalist, Functional Medicine Health Coach, and Board-Certified Hypnotherapist with over 40 years of experience in holistic health, energy healing, and mind-body medicine. Deep expertise in herbal medicine formulation, homeopathy, Reiki, and trauma recovery coaching. Skilled in designing wellness programs that integrate functional medicine principles with hypnosis and energy work to help individuals overcome chronic stress, PTSD, and burnout. Passionate about empowering others to improve their well-being using evidence-based practices, alternative therapies, and ancient healing traditions.
Core Skills and Expertise
Herbal Medicine & Botanical Formulation
Homeopathy & Natural Remedies
Reiki Energy Healing & Apprenticeship
Functional Medicine & Lifestyle Coaching
Trauma Recovery & Clinical Hypnosis
Mind-Body Medicine & Stress Management
Public Speaking & Workshop Facilitation
Client-Focused Integrative Care
Education & Academic Qualifications
Ph.D. Candidate – Mind-Body Medicine
Saybrook University– College of Integrated Medicine and Health Sciences
Focus: PTSD, CPTSD, and Burnout Recovery using Clinical Hypnosis and Mind-Body Medicine
M.A. in Elementary Education– (2004)
GPA: 3.94
B.A. in Liberal Arts (Science Focus)– (2001)
GPA: 3.20
Certifications & Professional Credentials
Board Certified Hypnotherapist– IACT
Trauma & Transpersonal Hypnotherapy– Charlotte Institute of Hypnotherapy
Reiki Master/Teacher– Traditional Apprenticeship (2008–Present)
Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach– FMCA
Certified Clinical Herbalist & Aromatherapist– Heart of Herbs School (2,600 hours)
Homeopathy & Naturopathic Studies– Advanced Self-Study (2008–Present)
Virginia Master Naturalist– Over 2,500 hours of volunteering
Cognitive Behavioral Hypnotherapy– UK
CPR/AED Certified & Wilderness First Aid Certified
Professional Experience
Integrative Wellness Consultant & Herbalist| Self-Employed (2008 – Present)
Providecustom herbal formulationsfor clients, combining clinical herbalism and aromatherapy with functional medicine principles to address chronic conditions, immune disorders, and emotional health.
Develop and leadeducational workshopson herbal medicine, homeopathy, and lifestyle coaching, attended by 100+ participants annually.
Consult with clients onfunctional nutrition plansand homeopathic remedies, helping them improve health outcomes for chronic fatigue, stress, and inflammation.
Mentor apprentices in herbal practices and provide guidance onherbal product formulationfor personal use and small business distribution.
Reiki Master & Energy Practitioner| Private Practice (2008 – Present)
Conductindividual Reiki healing sessions, addressing energy imbalances, trauma recovery, and chronic pain relief.
Led traditionalReiki apprenticeshipsfor 15+ students, teaching Level 1 through Master levels.
Integrated Reiki energy work with hypnotherapy and coaching for holistic client care, resulting in improved emotional and physical well-being.
Facilitated group Reiki circles and workshops to foster healing communities andpromote mindfulness practices.
Clinical Hypnotherapist & Mind-Body Practitioner| Private Practice (2006 – Present)
Specialize intrauma-informed hypnotherapyfor clients recovering from PTSD, CPTSD, and stress-related disorders.
Developedtargeted hypnosis protocolsfor emotional recovery, chronic pain management, insomnia, and smoking cessation.
Collaborated with physicians and mental health professionals to offerintegrative care plansfor clients with complex trauma and anxiety.
Trained over 30 clients in self-hypnosis techniques, empowering them to improve sleep, manage stress, and develop healthier habits.
Conferences & Continuing Education
Medicine from the Earth Conference– Annual Participant (2008–Present)
Traditions in Western Herbalism Conference(2014)
American Herbalists Guild Annual Conference(2010)
South East Women’s Herbal Conference
Advanced Specialized Studies (not a full list)
Master Aromatherapist Certification– Heart of Herbs School (650 hours)
Homeopathic & Naturopathic Studies– Self-Directed (2008–Present)
Mitochondrial Nutrition and Functional Inflammology– Dr. Alex Vasquez
Functional Gastrointestinal Health– Levels 1 & 2 Masterclass (CEU)
Trauma Recovery Hypnosis & Hypno-EMDR– UK
Natural Women’s Health Masterclass(CEU)
Natural Dog Masterclass– Herbal Approaches to Animal Health
Memberships & Affiliations
NAHA (NCCA Clinical Aromatherapist)
American Herbalists Guild (AHG)
United Plant Savers
Keywords
Herbal Medicine | Homeopathy | Reiki Healing | Functional Medicine | Hypnotherapy | Mind-Body Medicine | Trauma Recovery | Lifestyle Coaching | Chronic Disease Prevention | Botanical Formulation
Advanced Training: Including but not limited to (2008-Present)
Matthew Wood (Pulse Taking)
Margi Flint (Reading the Body)
Sam Coffman (Wilderness/Herbal First Aid)
Phyllis Light (Appalachian Herbalism)
Darryl Patton (Folk Medicine)
David Winston (Cherokee Medicine/Local Plant Medicine)
To-Doula Training (Doula Training)
Shamanic Herbalism
Advanced/Specialized Studies Certifications and Continuing Education
(in no particular order)
Master Herbalism (2600 Hour Clinical Herbal Course) Heart of Herbs School -Certificate
Master Aromatherapy Class (650 Hour Clinical course) Heart of Herbs School-Certificate
French Aromatherapy (East-West School of Aromatherapy) -Completed did not seek Certificate
Kamana Program (1-4) Naturalist Studies – Completed
Mind-Body Master Class (CEU-Certificate)
Mindfulness in Clinical Care (CEU-Certificate)
Green Spirit Wise Craft Heart of Herbs School (500 Hours) Certificate
Virginia Master Naturalist (over 100 hours of CE and over 2500 hours of volunteering to date)-Certificate
Lindamood-Bell Seeing Stars, On Cloud Nine, LiPS) -Certificates
Orton-Gillingham Training-Certificate
Sage Mountain Herbal School -Certificate
Southwest School of Botanical Medicine (Constitutional Lessons 1-12) Completed did not seek Certificate
Mitochondrial Nutrition by Dr. Alex Vasquez
Functional Inflammology by Dr. Alex Vasqez
Inflammation Mastery by Dr. Alex Vasquez
The Health Sciences Academy Nutritional Therapist Course -Certificate
Natural Anxiety Masterclass-Certificate- CEU Certificate
Functional Ketogenics Masterclass-CEU Certificate
Pharmacy of Flowers (Floracopeia)-Completed
Dr. Sears Wellness L.E.A.N and Prime Time Health Coaching Certifications (Certificates)
Natural Women’s Health Master Class (CEU certificate)
Natural Cardiology Master Class (CEU certificate)
MTHFR Clinical Series (CEU certificate)
Autoimmune Master Class (CEU certificate)
Results Based Coaching (CEU certificate)
Natural Allergy Master Class (CEU certificate)
Natural Gastrointestinal Master Class Level 1 (CEU certificate)
Natural Gastrointestinal Master Class Level 2 (CEU certificate)
Hair Nail and Tongue Diagnosis (CEU certificate)
Natural Depression Masterclass Certificate
Fibromyalgia, Fatigue and Global Pain Syndromes (CEU certificate)
Natural Dog Master Class (CEU certificate)
Phytonutrients with Dr. Minich (CEU certificate)
Ketogenics Master Class (CEU certificate)
Functional Diagnoses 3 Part Series Master Class (CEU certificate)
Advanced Webinar Training: (Included and not limited to)
Reading Blood Work series (Thomas Easley)
Herbal Constituents (Lisa Ganora)
Cardiology Herbalism (Fratellone)
Floracopeia Pharmacy of Flowers (David Crow)
K.P. Khalsa- Holistic Business.
Mitochondria Nutrition -Dr. Vasquez
S.A.D and Aromatherapy
Pharmacy of Aromatherapy
Herbal First Aid Sevensong
Herbal Energetics-Kiva Rose
Samuel Thomson (Steven Horne)
Dental Herbalism (Leslie Alexander)
Weeds for Medicine (David Winston)
Migraines: The Heart of the Matter (Joseph Wolfson, D.O)
Stress and and Effects on Health (Dr. Sears Wellness)
Gluten and the Gut (Dr. Sears Wellness)
ADD and NDD (Dr. Sears Wellness)
Science of Sugar (Dr. Sears Wellness)
Artificial Sweeteners (Dr. Sears Wellness)
MANY MANY MORE I am forgetting to name!
Specialized Advanced Herbalism Audio Courses (including but not limited to)
David Winston Audio Courses (All) www.herbalistandalchemist.com
Paul Bergner Audio Course (All ) www. naihm.com
Specialized Advanced Herbalism Video courses (including but not limited to)
Differential Diagnoses (with textbook)
Western Phytotherapy
Pulse and Tongue Diagnoses
Botany and Wildcrafting
Doctrines of Signatures
Many MORE!
Advanced Training in Wildlife Rehab (including but not limited to)
I currently hold a state and federal permits and am legal to rehab everything but bear, deer, and high risk rabies species. I specialize in box turtles, bunnies and possums.
NC Wildlife 2013
Call of the Wild (yearly)
Sacred Friends Conference (2016)
Master Tracking James Halfpenny
Wildlife Rehabber Math
Handling Wildlife Calls
WCV Wildlife Conferences
AWARE Conferences
Specialized Studies in Martial Arts:
Gracie Combative/Blue Belt Training (current)
Ryron Gracie Seminar (2016)
Kubaton Training Workshop (2013)
Gun Self Defense Training Workshop (2016)
Knife Self Defense Training Workshop
4th Degree TKD based Eclectic Martial Arts (stand up, knife, ground work, sword and bo staff, etc)
Tai Chi (working on certification)
Currently teach Ladies Self Defense, Tai Chi, and private instruction in martial arts
Not to mention:
Thousands and thousands of hours of specialized, self study in holistic and herbalism, as well as hundreds of books read on these topics. as well as teaching classes, seeing clients, mentoring apprentices, etc. I WALK the TALK!
Memberships
Professional NAHA (NCCA Clinical Aromatherapist)
Member AHG
United Plant Savers
Certified Virginia Master Naturalist (1400 volunteer hours)
State/Federally Permitted Rehabber/Educator and Director with AWARE
Co-Founder of Virginia Herbalist Society (new organization)
Let me help empower you Contact me today for a free call to see I can help you![email protected]
