The AVORA Story & Our Staff
The AVORA Story
AVORA is a privately owned and operated healthcare company with locations in Asheville, NC and Black Mountain, NC specializing in outpatient orthopedics, sports performance, balance, dizziness, vertigo, and concussions. We pride ourselves on providing quality rehabilitation and outstanding customer service in a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere.
Our story began in 2008 with a bit of tragedy when Kim Fox, founder of AVORA, was struck by a pickup truck while riding her motorcycle. Most of her injuries were the result of being thrown over the truck and landing in the street on her head and knees. She spent the next year undergoing surgery and rehab. Prior to the accident, Kim had been an orthopedic PT for over 15 years, but also had a passion for working with patients suffering from balance, dizziness, and vertigo. Ironically, her year in recovery gave her the time she needed to further her studies in vestibular disorders.
In 2009 she briefly returned to her previous employer in Black Mountain where she quickly discovered that she unable to continue working as an orthopedic therapist due to her physical limitations. With limited options available, she found a business partner and they opened their own physical therapy clinic in South Asheville where Kim could focus on working with balance & dizzy patients.
In 2010 Kim was informed that her former employer in Black Mountain went out of business and the clinic space she once worked in was available for occupancy. Kim loved the idea of returning to her Black Mountain patients and decided to open a Black Mountain clinic on her own under the name of Western Carolina Physical Therapy. It too, was successful and in 2012 Kim sold her share of the previous business to her partner.
In 2013 Western Carolina Physical Therapy opened a second location in East Asheville known as the Reynolds clinic on Charlotte Hwy. The company began investing more heavily in balance and vestibular equipment, but Kim's vision was to have a dedicated balance & vestibular center that could really push the limits by having the best tools and technology available to help her patients.
In 2016 Kim opened the Asheville Balance & Vestibular Center in Centre Park. A 7,000 square foot, multi-discipline health center dedicated to helping patients who suffer from conditions related to imbalance, dizziness, vertigo, and concussions. It had almost everything that a patient would need, minus a few pieces of very expensive equipment generally only used in research facilities and teaching hospitals. Of course, Kim wanted those too.
In 2017 Kim purchased the additional equipment she wanted for the balance and vestibular center and about the same time, decided it was time to re-brand Western Carolina Physical Therapy and the Asheville Balance & Vestibular Center under one, easy new name, "AVORA". It is our hope that patients will find AVORA to be synonymous with excellence.
Today, all of our services and locations carry the AVORA branding and we remain committed to the same excellent care and outstanding service as we did when we started in 2009. The secret to our success is simple. Treat people right, hire the best employees, buy the best equipment, and solve complex problems. As a leader in our field of expertise, we now see patients from around the world and continue to grow. Thank you for allowing us to share our story with you! Learn more about each of our locations by watching our virtual video tours!
Our story began in 2008 with a bit of tragedy when Kim Fox, founder of AVORA, was struck by a pickup truck while riding her motorcycle. Most of her injuries were the result of being thrown over the truck and landing in the street on her head and knees. She spent the next year undergoing surgery and rehab. Prior to the accident, Kim had been an orthopedic PT for over 15 years, but also had a passion for working with patients suffering from balance, dizziness, and vertigo. Ironically, her year in recovery gave her the time she needed to further her studies in vestibular disorders.
In 2009 she briefly returned to her previous employer in Black Mountain where she quickly discovered that she unable to continue working as an orthopedic therapist due to her physical limitations. With limited options available, she found a business partner and they opened their own physical therapy clinic in South Asheville where Kim could focus on working with balance & dizzy patients.
In 2010 Kim was informed that her former employer in Black Mountain went out of business and the clinic space she once worked in was available for occupancy. Kim loved the idea of returning to her Black Mountain patients and decided to open a Black Mountain clinic on her own under the name of Western Carolina Physical Therapy. It too, was successful and in 2012 Kim sold her share of the previous business to her partner.
In 2013 Western Carolina Physical Therapy opened a second location in East Asheville known as the Reynolds clinic on Charlotte Hwy. The company began investing more heavily in balance and vestibular equipment, but Kim's vision was to have a dedicated balance & vestibular center that could really push the limits by having the best tools and technology available to help her patients.
In 2016 Kim opened the Asheville Balance & Vestibular Center in Centre Park. A 7,000 square foot, multi-discipline health center dedicated to helping patients who suffer from conditions related to imbalance, dizziness, vertigo, and concussions. It had almost everything that a patient would need, minus a few pieces of very expensive equipment generally only used in research facilities and teaching hospitals. Of course, Kim wanted those too.
In 2017 Kim purchased the additional equipment she wanted for the balance and vestibular center and about the same time, decided it was time to re-brand Western Carolina Physical Therapy and the Asheville Balance & Vestibular Center under one, easy new name, "AVORA". It is our hope that patients will find AVORA to be synonymous with excellence.
Today, all of our services and locations carry the AVORA branding and we remain committed to the same excellent care and outstanding service as we did when we started in 2009. The secret to our success is simple. Treat people right, hire the best employees, buy the best equipment, and solve complex problems. As a leader in our field of expertise, we now see patients from around the world and continue to grow. Thank you for allowing us to share our story with you! Learn more about each of our locations by watching our virtual video tours!
AVORA Executive Staff
Kim Fox, DPT, Clinical Director & Founder
Kim is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who began her career in the United States Air Force Reserves in 1991, serving with both active duty and reservists from 1991 to 1997. She completed her Masters of Physical Therapy Degree in 1996 at the University of Maryland at Baltimore with special recognition for neurology and research. In 2011 she received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Montana. In addition, Kim is a Certified Vestibular Therapist and holds an Advanced Vestibular Therapist certificate.
She is on the editorial review board for the Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA) and is a faculty member of Education Resources, a nationally recognized teaching company that specializes in continuing education classes for medical professionals.
She has worked in a variety of setting to include hospitals, home health, skilled nursing facilities, in-patient, out-patient and private practice settings. She continues to work with a variety of patients, but now specializes in the treatment of balance and vestibular disorders including MdDS.
Kim has been involved in many community volunteer programs to include the Mid-Atlantic Burn Camp, volunteering as a camp counselor working with burn survivors ranging in ages from 6 to 18 years old, a high angle rescue volunteer and a volunteer firefighter, with extended training to fight wild land fires with the North Carolina State Forestry Service.
She is on the editorial review board for the Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA) and is a faculty member of Education Resources, a nationally recognized teaching company that specializes in continuing education classes for medical professionals.
She has worked in a variety of setting to include hospitals, home health, skilled nursing facilities, in-patient, out-patient and private practice settings. She continues to work with a variety of patients, but now specializes in the treatment of balance and vestibular disorders including MdDS.
Kim has been involved in many community volunteer programs to include the Mid-Atlantic Burn Camp, volunteering as a camp counselor working with burn survivors ranging in ages from 6 to 18 years old, a high angle rescue volunteer and a volunteer firefighter, with extended training to fight wild land fires with the North Carolina State Forestry Service.
Mark Fox, Chief Executive Officer
Mark has worked in business and information technology for many years. He holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Western Carolina University as well as a Master's Degree in Project Management, and a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science from the University of North Carolina at Asheville.
Mark's dedication and integrity come in part from 20 years of service in the United States Air Force and the United States Army where he learned to take care of others and "make it happen". In his spare time, he enjoys working outdoors and reading. One of his favorite books is by Lee Iacocca, title "Where Have All The Leaders Gone?". A reminder that complex problems don't have to be complicated and good leaders know how to keep it simple and build a strong team.
Mark's dedication and integrity come in part from 20 years of service in the United States Air Force and the United States Army where he learned to take care of others and "make it happen". In his spare time, he enjoys working outdoors and reading. One of his favorite books is by Lee Iacocca, title "Where Have All The Leaders Gone?". A reminder that complex problems don't have to be complicated and good leaders know how to keep it simple and build a strong team.
Kate, Customer Relations
Kate has been coming to the East Asheville clinic and the AVORA Health Center several times each week since she was 3 months old.
She prides herself on performing a variety of tricks and greeting puppy-friendly patients.
When she's not meeting new fans, she spends most of her time in the office sleeping or following Barbara around the office.
She prides herself on performing a variety of tricks and greeting puppy-friendly patients.
When she's not meeting new fans, she spends most of her time in the office sleeping or following Barbara around the office.
AVORA Providers
Steve Mack, PT, SCS, Director of Orthopedics
Steve is a physical therapist specializing in orthopedic and sports medicine physical therapy. He completed his Physical Therapy degree in 1995 from Northeastern University in Boston, MA. After graduating college, he moved to Asheville from central New York and has been practicing physical therapy here for the past 22 years. In 2016, Steve became a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy. He is also a certified Emergency Medical First Responder.
Steve has worked in many healthcare settings including skilled nursing, inpatient acute care, home health, and outpatient orthopedics. For the past 12 years, he has worked in an outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine clinic providing pre-operative and post-operative treatment of orthopedic injuries, sports and work related injuries, injury prevention, and sports performance training. Steve enjoys working with a local USA Swimming competitive swim team and other local endurance athletic groups assisting the athletes with sports performance training and injury prevention.
With his wife and two daughters, Steve enjoys paddling the many rivers in WNC, hiking, running and biking. He loves to compete in local triathlon races, cyclocross events, and is involved in a local bicycling advocacy organization.
Steve has worked in many healthcare settings including skilled nursing, inpatient acute care, home health, and outpatient orthopedics. For the past 12 years, he has worked in an outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine clinic providing pre-operative and post-operative treatment of orthopedic injuries, sports and work related injuries, injury prevention, and sports performance training. Steve enjoys working with a local USA Swimming competitive swim team and other local endurance athletic groups assisting the athletes with sports performance training and injury prevention.
With his wife and two daughters, Steve enjoys paddling the many rivers in WNC, hiking, running and biking. He loves to compete in local triathlon races, cyclocross events, and is involved in a local bicycling advocacy organization.
Shawn Bagley, DPT
Shawn received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy Degree at the University of Puget Sound. He previously obtained his Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science from Willamette University. Shawn brings over 10 years of experience in orthopedic physical therapy to AVORA. He has particular interest in injury prevention & rehabilitation for runners.
In his spare time Shawn enjoys trail running, fly fishing, & golfing. He moved to the Asheville area from Oregon in 2007, where he was born & raised.
In his spare time Shawn enjoys trail running, fly fishing, & golfing. He moved to the Asheville area from Oregon in 2007, where he was born & raised.
Katie Doud, DPT
Katie graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina with a doctorate of Physical Therapy. Throughout graduate school she was a tutor in Neuroscience and volunteered at CARES, a student run clinic. Upon graduating, she took her skills to Colorado and gained experience in a variety of settings.
In 2016, Katie traded the Rocky mountains for the Blue Ridge Mountains. When she isn’t in the clinic, she can be found outside with her dog, hiking, biking, and attending dance classes.
In 2016, Katie traded the Rocky mountains for the Blue Ridge Mountains. When she isn’t in the clinic, she can be found outside with her dog, hiking, biking, and attending dance classes.
Brittany Hedges, DPT
Brittany is a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in vestibular rehabilitation. She is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and has a bachelor's degree in exercise science from Messiah College. She enjoys the challenges associated with treating patients affected by neurological disorders and appreciates serving a community that values holistic health.
Brittany enjoys traveling and frequents Central America as well as areas of natural beauty within the United States. She feels at home in the mountains, where she enjoys hiking, biking, and running to places not reachable by car. She looks forward to competing in running races and triathlons in the Asheville area.
Keith Sales, DPT
Keith is a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in vestibular rehabilitation. He is a graduate of East Carolina University and has a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He enjoys working with patients who are challenged with balance and vestibular disorders. He also enjoys educating patients and other professionals about vestibular disorders and rehab.
Keith enjoys spending time with his wife and two dogs. They like to go hiking and spending time outside. He also enjoys traveling , especially to new places.
Keith enjoys spending time with his wife and two dogs. They like to go hiking and spending time outside. He also enjoys traveling , especially to new places.
Courtney Hall, PT, PhD
Courtney is a Physical Therapist and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Kinesiology. She has focused her academic preparation and research concentration toward better understanding age-related (both normal and pathological) changes in balance control and how best to intervene therapeutically.
She has been studying various risk factors for falls for a number of years with most of her research focused on motor and sensory contributions to balance control in older adults and how best to intervene therapeutically. She is well known for her many contributions to vestibular rehabilitation research and publications.
Courtney is currently a professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN and practices as a clinical therapist performing vestibular diagnostics testing and rehabilitation services for AVORA Balance & Dizziness.
She has been studying various risk factors for falls for a number of years with most of her research focused on motor and sensory contributions to balance control in older adults and how best to intervene therapeutically. She is well known for her many contributions to vestibular rehabilitation research and publications.
Courtney is currently a professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN and practices as a clinical therapist performing vestibular diagnostics testing and rehabilitation services for AVORA Balance & Dizziness.
Marina Mon, DPT, OCS
Marina graduated from the University of New England in Portland, Maine in 2010 with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. For several years, she worked as a traveling physical therapist, gaining experience in a variety of clinical settings in several states in the Western US. In 2015, she completed an orthopedic manual therapy residency program at the Ola Grimsby Institute.
In 2016, she became board certified as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. After 5 years of living and working in Alaska, she is excited to have made the move South to now make North Carolina her home. She enjoys exploring the Western NC mountains with her husband and son.
In 2016, she became board certified as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. After 5 years of living and working in Alaska, she is excited to have made the move South to now make North Carolina her home. She enjoys exploring the Western NC mountains with her husband and son.
Miranda Novak, DPT
Miranda graduated with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse in 2018. She previously lived in Michigan and worked in a general outpatient orthopedic setting, seeing patients with many diagnoses. Miranda enjoys working with patients pre and post-surgery and with sports injuries.
In her spare time, Miranda enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, traveling, and camping.
In her spare time, Miranda enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, traveling, and camping.
Jodi Krause, DPT, NCS
Jodi Krause graduated from Ohio University with a bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology in 2009, and with her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2013. She then went on to complete her Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency with UPMC Centers for Rehab Services in Pittsburgh, PA from 2013-2014.
She earned her Neurologic Clinical Specialist certification in 2015. Her experience is in neurologic and vestibular therapy, and she teaches in the neuromuscular curriculum at the University of Pittsburgh's Doctor of Physical Therapy program. She worked in Pittsburgh for 8 years before relocating to Asheville. She has a particular interest in working with individuals with dizziness, concussion, functional neurologic disorders, and Parkinson's Disease. When she is not working, she can be found in the mountains running, hiking or biking.
She earned her Neurologic Clinical Specialist certification in 2015. Her experience is in neurologic and vestibular therapy, and she teaches in the neuromuscular curriculum at the University of Pittsburgh's Doctor of Physical Therapy program. She worked in Pittsburgh for 8 years before relocating to Asheville. She has a particular interest in working with individuals with dizziness, concussion, functional neurologic disorders, and Parkinson's Disease. When she is not working, she can be found in the mountains running, hiking or biking.
Lauren Gustetic, PTA
Lauren is a Physical Therapist Assistant who received her degree from Polk State College, Winter Haven Florida in 2016. Lauren grew up playing travel softball and college softball since she was 8 years old. She has had 5 surgeries on her shoulder and endured endless physical therapy. That is when she realized her path in life was rehabilitation. She is passionate about treating patients and helping them to return to their best self. Lauren has experience working with patients with Parkinson’s Disease as well as all aspects of orthopedic patients.
Lauren recently moved from Florida to Western N.C. with her husband, dog, cat, and tortoise. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family, and doing anything outdoors, and exploring the mountains of Western N.C.
Lauren recently moved from Florida to Western N.C. with her husband, dog, cat, and tortoise. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family, and doing anything outdoors, and exploring the mountains of Western N.C.
Nathan Ziemba, DPT
Nathan is a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in the treatment of those with vestibular and neurological disorders. He is a graduate of University of Miami's PT program and has a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology from the University of South Carolina.
He began his career in Santa Cruz, CA working in an outpatient neuro-rehabilitation clinic where he began specializing in treating those with vestibular disorders. After 5 years of practice in Santa Cruz, Nathan moved east to the Asheville area to further specialize in the field of vestibular rehabilitation at AVORA.
He began his career in Santa Cruz, CA working in an outpatient neuro-rehabilitation clinic where he began specializing in treating those with vestibular disorders. After 5 years of practice in Santa Cruz, Nathan moved east to the Asheville area to further specialize in the field of vestibular rehabilitation at AVORA.
Daniel Scortea, DPT
Daniel Scortea is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who graduated from New York Medical College. He has a background in Biology with a degree from Siena College. He enjoys treating a wide variety of patients including those with musculoskeletal conditions, neurological conditions, and functional mobility limitations. When he is not at the clinic, Daniel pursues his interests in tennis, hiking, live music, playing guitar, technology, board games, and serves as a certified cat dad of three energetic boys.
Lisa Olson, DPT
Lisa is a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in vestibular rehabilitation. She graduated with her master’s degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Central Florida in 2008, and later pursued her doctorate degree in Physical Therapy in 2012. She completed a specialty internship working with vestibular patients that ignited her interest for balance and vestibular therapy, and subsequently worked at a Level One trauma center in Orlando, Florida as a physical therapist in the neurological intensive care and burn/trauma units.
For several years she worked in the role of Rehabilitation Director at several different hospitals and outpatient clinics in both Florida and North Carolina, during which she focused on developing programs around non-pharmacologic pain management, sports performance, lymphedema therapy, vestibular therapy, and performing arts therapy. In 2022 she joined AVORA so she could return to her passion of treating vestibular and balance patients full time. In her time away from the clinic, Lisa enjoys attending music concerts, traveling, gardening, hiking, and reading.
For several years she worked in the role of Rehabilitation Director at several different hospitals and outpatient clinics in both Florida and North Carolina, during which she focused on developing programs around non-pharmacologic pain management, sports performance, lymphedema therapy, vestibular therapy, and performing arts therapy. In 2022 she joined AVORA so she could return to her passion of treating vestibular and balance patients full time. In her time away from the clinic, Lisa enjoys attending music concerts, traveling, gardening, hiking, and reading.
Christine Tassitino, DPT
Christine is a North Carolina native who received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Elon University. Prior to that she studied Exercise Science at Appalachian State University. Christine spent 2 years living and working as a physical therapist in Arizona with her partner and her St. Bernard, Bernie. She is excited to have moved back to NC and to be working in the beautiful NC mountains.
Christine enjoys treating patients with non-operative orthopedics and sports injuries, postoperative orthopedic injuries, and balance and gait disorders. She is certified in Run DNA level 1 running analysis and is dry needling certified.
When not working she enjoys traveling to other states and countries, hiking, kayaking, hanging out with her dog, and running. Bio Coming Soon!
Christine enjoys treating patients with non-operative orthopedics and sports injuries, postoperative orthopedic injuries, and balance and gait disorders. She is certified in Run DNA level 1 running analysis and is dry needling certified.
When not working she enjoys traveling to other states and countries, hiking, kayaking, hanging out with her dog, and running. Bio Coming Soon!
Partner Services Provided By
Asheville Ear, Nose and Throat
Asheville ENT Audiology Staff
Asheville Ear, Nose and Throat provides full service audiology testing and hearing aid services within the AVORA Health Center.
Left to right: Leah Roberts, Katharine Milnes, Au.D., Rachel Crout, Au.D., Jeanie Paschall, M.S., Sara Schaetzka, Au.D., Meghann Davies, Au.D., Cassie Costilow, Au.D., Heather Mabrey, Au.D., Megan Watson, Au.D., Noelle Radko, Amanda Byerly. Not pictured: Sonia Delgado, Rebecca Ferguson
Learn more about Asheville Ear, Nose and Throat
Left to right: Leah Roberts, Katharine Milnes, Au.D., Rachel Crout, Au.D., Jeanie Paschall, M.S., Sara Schaetzka, Au.D., Meghann Davies, Au.D., Cassie Costilow, Au.D., Heather Mabrey, Au.D., Megan Watson, Au.D., Noelle Radko, Amanda Byerly. Not pictured: Sonia Delgado, Rebecca Ferguson
Learn more about Asheville Ear, Nose and Throat
Counseling & Psychology
Meredith Larrabee, PsyD
Dr. Larrabee is a Clinical Psychologist and with extensive training in research based assessment and therapeutic methods. She provides therapy for pediatric and adult populations with special interests in working with individuals with hearing loss, vestibular disorders, medical co-morbidity, and women’s health.
Dr. Larrabee also provides Psychological assessments and supervision at Mission Hospital as the service line leader for Psychology. She is available by referral only.
Dr. Larrabee also provides Psychological assessments and supervision at Mission Hospital as the service line leader for Psychology. She is available by referral only.
Massage Therapy
Julie Edwards, LMBT
When our body hurts, it is trying to tell us something. The body wants to heal itself, it wants to feel good. But sometimes we need help from the outside to get the desired results. Massage therapy is one of the best tools to help us to feel where our tension is and help us release it. As the facilitator, I can give your body the push it needs to start the healing cycle.
I work with people for all reasons: looking for relaxation, specific new injury treatment, working with old injuries and patterns of restrictions, and people looking to let go of old patterns and use your body in its most efficient capacity.
Massage is not just a luxury- it is an integral part of keeping you healthy, helping to PREVENT injuries by helping your body work at its optimum functionality. Learn more at www.integrativemassage.org
I work with people for all reasons: looking for relaxation, specific new injury treatment, working with old injuries and patterns of restrictions, and people looking to let go of old patterns and use your body in its most efficient capacity.
Massage is not just a luxury- it is an integral part of keeping you healthy, helping to PREVENT injuries by helping your body work at its optimum functionality. Learn more at www.integrativemassage.org
Integrative Medicine
Dr. Sudeshna Dasgupta, MD
Dr. Dasgupta is an integrative medicine physician with a background in pediatrics. She has a special interest in diet and nutrition and has been practicing medicine for over 20 years. Dr. Dasgupta believes in taking her time with patients and has a passion for helping those with complex needs.
Acupuncture
Ryan Gallagher, LAc, DSOM
Hi there! I'm a licensed acupuncturist, offering gentle acupuncture treatments and herbal remedies.
I specialize in mental-emotional health, helping my clients develop regulation and resilience in their nervous systems. Through acupuncture, herbalism, and guidance in body-based awareness practices, my goal is to assist folks in experiencing greater ease and empowerment in their daily lives.
For more, please visit inhabithealingarts.com
I specialize in mental-emotional health, helping my clients develop regulation and resilience in their nervous systems. Through acupuncture, herbalism, and guidance in body-based awareness practices, my goal is to assist folks in experiencing greater ease and empowerment in their daily lives.
For more, please visit inhabithealingarts.com