Asheville Physical Therapy was created by Brian Lawler and Kim Fox because they knew they had to open their own practice in order to implement the high quality changes they believe patients deserve. With Brian's nationally recognized sports performance training and Kim's passion and extended training to improve balance and vestibular disorders, they offer two distinct specialites as well as excellence in orthopedics. Brian and Kim wanted to further present the community with an ageless clinic where it's ok to have "fun" while providing you with personal, professional, and responsible care. Asheville Physical therapy is committed to providing an outstanding customer experience and is conveniently located at 76 Peachtree Road in the Nettlewood Professional Park.

Dr. Fox began her career in the United States Air Force Reserves in 1991, having served 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 recognitions for neurology and research.   In 2011 she received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Montana.   

 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 specializes in the treatment of geriatrics, balance and vestibular disorders.

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 also served as the Volunteer Coordinator for Swannanoa Valley Montessori School from 2007 to 2008 and was a board member and treasurer for her local road committee from 2005 through 2010.  She continues to rescue many animals in need of a good home and currently has 5 dogs, 1 cat, 1 rabbit and 2 horses…and counting!

Brian obtained a Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Duke University in 1993 and is board certified in orthopedics. He also has a Master of Science degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion with a concentration in performance enhancement and injury prevention from California University of Pennsylvania. He is a certified athletic trainer with NATA, a certified strength and conditioning specialist with NSCA, and a performance enhancement specialist with NASM. He lectures nationally for North American Seminars on topics of sports performance enhancement training and injury prevention. Brian has a diverse and extensive background in orthopedics and sports performance and is one of the most respected and knowledgeable physical therapists and sports performance trainers in Western North Carolina.

His passion is to help people and athletes of all ages and abilities to reach their fullest potential and to help them to achieve their goals and dreams. He has worked with athletes from every sport imaginable and at all levels of competition, including youth, high school, collegiate, recreational, senior, and professional.

Dr. Hager earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Shenandoah University in August of 2011.  She also graduated from Appalachian State University with a Master’s in Exercise Science in 2008 and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist through the NSCA.

Liz enjoys helping patients who have musculoskeletal injuries, neurologic disorders, and sports injuries. Her experiences include working in outpatient and inpatient settings as well as working as a personal trainer.

In her spare time, Liz ejoys riding her bike, hiking in the mountains, skiing, playing volleyball, and spending time with family and friends.

Ellis is a Physical Therapy Assistant who graduated from Southwestern Community College in 2005. Her experiences have included aquatic therapy, sports medicine, skilled setting, acute care, home health and general practice. She particularly enjoys sports medicine, orthopedics, and balance challenges, which makes working at Asheville Physical Therapy a perfect fit. In her spare time Ellis enjoys dancing, outdoor activities, and is grateful to be back home in Asheville with her family and friends.

Melissa’s friendly personality and years of experience working in the physical therapy environment contribute to a positive patient experience by making it easy to schedule visits, verify insurance benefits, and get patients the help they need. Melissa has worked in physical therapy clinics since 2002, serving as a receptionist, a medical biller, and an office manager. She even helped to open a new physical therapy clinic in 2007. In 2011, Melissa married her high school sweetheart of seven years. Together, they have two Labradoodles; Bailey and Oakley.