Colin Hunt

Clinic Director - PT, DPT, CSCS

Colin grew up on the rivers and trails of Western North Carolina. Raised in Asheville and the Nantahala Gorge paddling community, he spent his childhood on the water and in the woods and never really left. After living in West Asheville for most of his adult life, Colin now calls Bent Creek home and is proud to lead Movement for Life's Candler clinic, serving the active communities of west Buncombe County.

Colin earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Western Carolina University and built his practice around a simple conviction: patients do best when they understand their own bodies. His experience spans the full range of outpatient orthopedics, from post-surgical patients rebuilding from the ground up to lifelong athletes who refuse to slow down. His certifications in strength and conditioning (CSCS), dry needling, blood flow restriction training, and professional bike fitting give him a deep toolbox, but the foundation of his care is simple: clear communication, honest goal-setting, and a steady progression that keeps patients motivated through every stage of recovery. As a lifelong athlete himself, Colin knows firsthand what it means to want your body back for the things you love, and that perspective shapes how he treats.  His aim is for every patient to leave with a real understanding of their condition, practical tools to manage it, and the strength and confidence to stay active for the long haul.

Outside the clinic, Colin paddles whitewater, mountain bikes in Pisgah, and camps throughout the region with his wife, daughter, and son.

Education
Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, North Carolina Doctor of Physical Therapy, May 2021

Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina Bachelor of Applied Science, Appropriate Technology, May 2013

Lyle Mitchell

Personal Trainer & PTA

Lyle is a firm believer that it is never too late to start or return to movement. He loves working with older adults, clinically complex individuals, and outdoor athletes. As a therapist and trainer, Lyle specializes in bridging the gap between rehabilitation and lifelong fitness. 

Movement has always been a large part of Lyle’s life, first as a multi-sport athlete in his childhood, followed by becoming an avid cyclist in his late teens. In 2009, he began to discover how much yoga and strength training could improve his physical and mental health. 

These realizations led to him becoming a yoga teacher in 2013, followed by a NASM Certified Personal Trainer in 2019, a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant in 2020, and an RKC Kettlebell Instructor in 2022. He is a certified bike fitter, TRX qualified instructor, and has completed the Institute of Clinical Excellence’s Modern Management of the Older Adult course. 

Outside of the clinic, Lyle stays active by rock climbing, cycling, and running. His other interests include traveling, food, coffee, playing music, and devouring audiobooks and podcasts.

Rachel Boulter

Front Office Manager

An Appalachian girl through and through, Rachel grew up in Burnsville, NC. In 2022 she earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Geology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – go Heels! -- where she also played recreation league soccer and was a member of the women’s Varsity Rowing team. Following her studies, she chased adventure to Moab, Utah, and spent several years mountain biking, backpacking, hiking, skiing, and exploring the Wild West. Now happily back in her native mountains, Rachel enjoys her downtime by riding her bike, playing board games, creating pottery, and spending quality time with her partner, family, friends, and her dog, Rufus.

Steven Ackart

PT, DPT, TPI

Steven is originally from Tampa, FL, where he played various sports growing up, including soccer, baseball, basketball, hockey, tennis, and track & field. His interest in becoming a Physical Therapist began after he broke his collarbone playing soccer in high school.

He attended Western Carolina University, where he completed his Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training in 2020. During his studies, he gained valuable experience through clinical rotations in high school, D1 collegiate football and basketball, and outpatient settings.

Steven went on to earn a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Western Carolina University in 2024. He discovered his passion for outpatient orthopedic physical therapy after his experience with orthopedic residency at the VA Hospital in Johnson City, TN.

In his free time, he enjoys being outdoors and being active. His favorite activities are golf, fishing, and skiing. He has recently become Titleist Performance Certified and enjoys working with golfers on mobility and strength. 

Education

Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC 
Doctor of Physical Therapy, May 2023