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THE HEALTH & WELLNESS ISSUE JA N UA RY 2 02 6

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JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

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Curious About Faith? We all need a safe place to ask questions, wrestle with doubts, and discover who Jesus really is. Every week, people just like you—families, students, kids, and grandparents—come together. Some have followed Jesus for years, while others aren’t sure what they believe yet. But here’s what we all have in common: we’re all on a journey, and no one has to walk it alone.

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Live Well, Aiken January invites us to reset and refocus on what matters most—our health. In this Health & Wellness Issue, we’re highlighting local people and practices helping others move better, feel stronger and live more fully right here in Aiken. At Raines Physical Therapy, a newly remodeled space now includes a private treatment room dedicated to pelvic floor therapy. This often overlooked service is helping local families—especially moms—regain strength, comfort and a better quality of life. In this issue, meet the expert leading this quiet but powerful work. We also spotlight two of Aiken’s most dynamic realtors, Danny Minolfo and Dean Cavero. Their journey from fashion and logistics into real estate is full of friendship, faith and purpose. Their energy is infectious, and their work proves that joy can be a powerful tool in business—and in life. At Aiken Physicians Alliance Orthopedic Surgery, Drs. Jesus Castillo, Gregory Kalv and Richard Marks are offering advanced orthopedic care with a patient-first mindset. Whether treating sports injuries or complex foot and ankle conditions, their collaboration ensures Aiken residents get world-class care close to home. This month, we meet Dr. Rupal Patel, a compassionate mental health provider whose deeply personal journey led her back to Aiken to open Integrative Flow Psychiatry. Through innovative care and a warm, patient-centered approach, she’s helping individuals move forward from depression, anxiety and other struggles that once felt overwhelming. Her work is a reminder that healing is possible and that no one has to navigate their mental health journey alone. And for those looking to move with ease again, Stretch Zone Aiken is transforming the way people feel—one assisted session at a time. From equestrians to retirees, clients report improved mobility, reduced pain and increased energy. It's a simple routine with a big impact. Wherever you are on your wellness journey, we hope this issue encourages you to take the next step toward healing, strength and balance. Wishing you health and hope in the new year. See you next month!

G AY L E B R YA N , P U B L I S H E R @AIKENCITYLIFESTYLE

January 2026 PUBLISHER

Gayle Bryan | gayle.bryan@citylifestyle.com P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R

Nikita Hanif | nikita.hanif@citylifestyle.com P U B L I S H E R AS S I STAN T

Carolyn McAvoy | carolyn.mcavoy@citylifestyle.com C O PY E D I TO R

Ashley Elvis CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Nikita Hanif C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Rebecca Judy, Gayle Bryan, Scott Webster

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Aiken City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Aiken area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Aiken City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 6 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

48 30 Featured

30 44 48 10

The Power of Stretch

How Stretch Zone Aiken is Helping Residents Move Better and Live Comfortably Every Day

Rooted in Faith and Friendship

Danny and Dean Bring Joy and Purpose to Real Estate

Innovative Paths to Wellness and Healing

Dr. Rupal Patel offers Compassionate, Cutting-edge Mental Health Care in Aiken

Strength from Within

Specialized Therapy Offers Comfort, Strength and Renewed Confidence

On the Cover

Departments

Matthew Hunter from Assurance Financial says his favorite way to support his own wellness is by walking his two loyal work pups, Loki and Bowie, through the charming streets of downtown Aiken.

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Must See HEALTH + WELLNESS

Local Limelight HEALTH + WELLNESS

Inspired By PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Expert Help FINANCE + LEGAL SERVICES

Mental Wellbeing HEALTH + WELLNESS

Self Care HEALTH + WELLNESS

Events

Photography: Rebecca Judy

759 RICHLAND AVENUE WEST AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA 29801

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JANUARY 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

5 6

1: There is a level of precision when making cocktails. 2: Learning to shake it till you make the perfect daiquiri at Rhumba’s cocktail class. 3: The anticipation was building for these cocktail crafters! 4: Elier Alberto is leading the Cocktail Class at Rhumba. 6: Eleanor Togneri and Larry Acord set the fashion bar high at the Aiken Steeplechase! 7: Fascinators and smiles were sure to get you to the winners circle! Photography by Photos by Gayle Bryan and Nikita Hanif

C I T Y SC E N E

14 13

8: This contestant went all out for the Hat Contest at Aiken Fall Steeplechase. 9: Could this be another contestant for the Crazy Pants Contest at Aiken Fall Steeplechase? 10: Charlie Hartz and John Michielini palling around at Aiken Fall Steeplechase. 11: Unsurprisingly, this gentleman was the winner of the Crazy Pants Contest at Aiken Fall Steeplechase. 12: Visiting with John Truex at any Steeplechase is always a pleasure. 13: Cissie Sullivan was on hand to help keep the Corgi Race on track. 14: What would a Corgi Race be without the parade of competitors? Photography by Photos by Gayle Bryan and Nikita Hanif

CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

city scene CONTINUED

15: Hyping up the crowd for the Corgi Race at Aiken Fall Steeplechase. 16: Davis and Rachel Mellick’s Corgi, George, was a reluctant, if adorable, competitor in the race. 17: Win or lose…the corgi ring was full of smiles and tail wags! Photography by Photos by Gayle Bryan and Nikita Hanif

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You’re invited to Mortgage & Mulligans, hosted by Matthew Hunter with Assurance Financial, a virtual golf fundraiser benefitting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital! Join us on Thursday, February 26th from 5:00–8:30 PM at Back Nine Golf, 756 Silver Bluff Rd, Aiken, SC, for an evening of fun, friendly competition and community. Every dollar raised helps ensure that families at St. Jude never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food. Use sites. totalexpert.net/event-registration/ mortgage–mulligans-2026-21478115 to register!

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THE POWER OF STRETCH ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA JUDY & GAYLE BRYAN

HOW STRETCH ZONE AIKEN IS HELPING RESIDENTS MOVE BETTER AND LIVE COMFORTABLY EVERY DAY

M UST SE E | HEALTH + W ELLN E SS

“It’s been one of the best investments in my health” When the ribbon was first cut at Stretch Zone Aiken, David Jameson, then President of the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, didn’t expect a life-changing experience. Curious, he volunteered for a free demonstration and, within minutes, something remarkable happened. “I’d been stiff for a long time,” Jameson recalls. “After just a few stretches, I felt like I could skip out of there.” What began as a spontaneous moment has now become a two-year commitment and more than one hundred professional sessions that, he says, transformed how he feels every single day. Before Stretch Zone, Jameson struggled with tight calves and a stiff neck that limited his range of motion. Now, he visits weekly and says the improvement is vast. The stiffness is gone, his flexibility is back and his energy level is higher than it’s been in years. He calls the experience “a lazy man’s dream,” where the staff do the work while the clients relax and reap the benefits. “The professionalism of the staff is second to none. They’re informative, communicative and genuinely invested in

Candy Shira

Marvin Engle

helping you feel your best.” He insists it’s the best money he’s ever spent on himself and he urges others to give it a try. That same sense of discovery resonated with Scott Singer, owner of Orange Theory Fitness and Financial Advisor at Janney Montgomery Scott. As an avid golfer, Singer understands how crucial flexibility is to staying active. Yet even he admits that stretching often takes a backseat. “As we get older, our muscles shorten unless we proactively do something to prevent it,” Singer explains. “I’m a little lazy when it comes to stretching, so having someone do it for me while helping me maintain range of motion is a huge benefit.” Singer is passionate about exercise, and he finds his sessions at Stretch Zone perfectly complement the high-intensity workouts at his gym. The combination keeps him limber and ready for everything from golf to a busy, hands-on lifestyle. He jokes that it’s a good balance for his love of Fernando’s Pizza, proof that even the healthiest among us can appreciate a little indulgence. Singer praises the staff’s knowledge and professionalism, saying the education he receives during each session helps him understand his body better. “Try to align what you do at Stretch Zone with your personal health goals,” he advises. “You’ll see the positives immediately.” For Candy Shira, the discovery came by chance. Three years ago, while attending an equestrian event, she spotted the Stretch Zone booth offering free demonstrations. She decided to give it a try and immediately noticed a difference. “I was looking for a way to help with my agility, strength and flexibility,” Shira explains. “After one demo, I was hooked.” An active farm owner and equestrian, Shira’s days are filled with physical tasks that demand strength and balance. Before stretching, she struggled with CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

flexibility and persistent pain in her hips and shoulders. Since joining, she says her balance in the saddle has dramatically improved, her posture is better and even her day-to-day movements feel easier. “It’s improved my lifestyle completely,” she says. Shira now recommends Stretch Zone to anyone looking to enhance performance or reduce discomfort. “Find a routine that works for you,” she adds. “It can make an incredible difference.” Her enthusiasm soon caught the attention of Marvin Engle. Intrigued by Shira’s success, Engle decided to try it for himself, and three years later he hasn’t looked back. A retired engineer, Engle was fascinated by the science behind Stretch Zone’s patented system. “I love understanding how things work,” he says. “The mechanics of what they do, working with your body’s own movement patterns, just made perfect sense to me.” Engle comes twice a week, crediting the routine for helping him stay strong, mobile and pain-free despite the physical demands of farm life. He’s noticed major improvements in his posture, flexibility and muscle function. The sessions also help reduce inflammation and support recovery from long days of manual labor. “It’s been one of the best investments in my health,” Engle says. “I work out regularly, and Stretch Zone fits perfectly with that routine.” From an engineer’s analytical eye to an equestrian’s balance, a fitness expert’s precision and a retired leader’s renewed vitality, the stories of these four Aiken residents paint a vivid picture of what Stretch Zone delivers: real, measurable improvement in how people move, feel and live. Whether you’re recovering from years of tension, looking to enhance athletic performance or simply striving to move without discomfort, Stretch Zone Aiken offers an experience that is both restorative and empowering. The practitioners guide, stretch and support every client with expertise and care, helping them rediscover how good it feels to move freely again.

M UST SE E | HEALTH + W ELLN E SS

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Advanced Orthopedic Care, Here in Aiken LOCAL SURGEONS BRING INNOVATION, COMPASSION AND EXPERTISE TO AIKEN

Dr. Jesus Castillo

ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA JUDY

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | HEALT H + WE LLN E SS

At Aiken Physicians Alliance, orthopedic excellence meets compassionate care through the dedication of three highly-skilled surgeons, Dr. Jesus Castillo, Dr. Gregory Kalv and Dr. Richard Marks. Together they are redefining what it means to receive world-class orthopedic treatment right here in Aiken. Their mission, simple yet profound, is to provide advanced, patient-centered care that keeps Aiken residents healthy, active and close to home. Dr. Jesus Castillo was specifically recruited to Aiken to build out the orthopedic division of Aiken Physicians Alliance, a challenge he embraced wholeheartedly. When the opportunity arose to lead and grow a specialized orthopedic practice in Aiken, Castillo and his wife, Natalie, were thrilled to return to South Carolina. For Castillo, the decision was as much about family and community as it was about medicine. An athletic trainer in college, Castillo has always been passionate about sports and the human body’s resilience. “I always want my patients to feel comfortable, understand their options and be part of the decision process.” His approach is hands-on, unhurried and rooted in the belief that patients deserve both time and understanding. He focuses on education and collaboration, ensuring every individual feels confident about their care plan. As the practice grew, Castillo sought colleagues who shared his values. He hand-selected Dr. Gregory Kalv and Dr. Richard Marks, both of whom embody the same patient-first philosophy. “We wanted a team that treats every patient like family,” Castillo says.

Castillo specializes in sports medicine and is the first surgeon in the area to perform the BEAR implant, an innovative ACL repair procedure that preserves the patient’s natural ligament. He’s also an advocate for cutting-edge treatments like Iovera, which freezes targeted nerves to block pain signals. His commitment to staying at the forefront of orthopedic medicine keeps Aiken Physicians Alliance on the leading edge of care. Dr. Gregory Kalv joined the practice after completing a fellowship in pediatric orthopedics. With a background in engineering and more than a decade of experience in orthopedics, Kalv brings a unique precision and analytical perspective to his work. “I’ve always loved understanding how things work and putting things back together,” he explains with a smile. At Aiken Physicians Alliance, he treats a variety of cases including hand, foot and ankle, upper extremity and fracture care. Like his colleagues, Kalv is deeply dedicated to patient education and communication. He takes time to ensure each person understands their diagnosis and feels confident in their treatment choices. He’s particularly excited about the future of robotics and surgical navigation, technologies that are enhancing precision and recovery outcomes in orthopedic surgery. Outside of medicine, Kalv and his wife enjoy exploring Aiken and attending concerts. He recalls one of his most touching patient moments was when a woman knitted him an angel after her successful surgery as a reminder of the impact of compassionate care. Dr. Richard Marks, who has been with Aiken Physicians Alliance for two years, is the only board-certified, subspecialty-trained orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon in the region.

Dr. Jesus Castillo

“I always want my patients to feel comfortable, understand their options and be a part of the decision process.” CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

“We wanted a team that treated everyone like family.”

Dr. Gregory Kalv

He moved to Aiken four years ago and quickly fell in love with the town and with the woman who would become his wife. With 25 years of experience, Marks is passionate about helping patients recover from injuries and return to the activities they love. He believes the most important aspect of care is listening. “Every patient has a story,” he says. “If you take the time to listen, you’ll find the best path forward together.” Marks credits the practice’s success to the strong collaboration between the physicians. “We work as a cohesive unit,” he says. “That teamwork translates directly into better outcomes for our patients.” He’s proud of their relationship with Aiken Regional Medical Center which allows residents to receive top-level care without leaving town. For Drs. Castillo, Kalv and Marks, Aiken isn’t just where they work, it’s where they live and invest their hearts. From pioneering new surgical techniques to volunteering their time for local athletes, these physicians embody the best of both skill and spirit. They represent the kind of medical care every community hopes for–advanced, compassionate and right at home. Aiken Physicians Alliance Orthopedic Surgery is located at 191 Centre South Boulevard in Aiken, South Carolina.

Dr. Richard Marks

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | HEALT H + WE LLN E SS

Dr. Castillo, Dr. Marks, and Dr. Kalv JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

MAKE THIS SUNDAY THE BEST ONE YET There’s no better way to start the week than with friends. NewSpring Church is a multi-generational church that gathers every Sunday in Aiken and online. We come from all over and have something for everyone. No matter where you settle in South Carolina, you'll find a friend or neighbor at one of our 13 campus locations. Find out more about our beliefs and see the exciting things available for children, teens, and adults at www.NewSpring.cc.

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AND FRIENDSHIP

ROOTED IN FAITH

DAN NY AN D DE AN BRING JOY A N D P U R P O S E TO R E A L E S TAT E

ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT WEBSTER

I NSP IR E D BY | P RO FESSION AL SE RVICE S

“CHRIST IS THE FOUNDATION,” HE SAYS. “EVERY MAJOR DECISION STARTS WITH PRAYER.”

In a town where real estate signs line most corners, it takes a special kind of realtor to stand out. In Aiken, two of those realtors just so happen to be best friends who laugh loudly, pray often and genuinely love helping people. Danny Minolfo and Dean Cavero may work independently, but anyone who meets them quickly realizes they are a matched set in all the best ways. Their approach is warm, joy-centered, faith-driven and unmistakably human, making real estate feel less like a transaction and more like an experience. Minolfo’s story starts in men’s fashion, a world he adored for over twenty years. He loved the people, the personal service and the chance to help others feel confident. But during his morning Bible study sessions with Cavero, he began praying for clarity about the future. Something was shifting in his heart. In 2019, he made a bold leap of faith, sold his shares of Lionel Smith Ltd., and earned his real estate license. When the world shut down during COVID, real estate surged and he stepped through the door that opened. Helping families make one of the biggest decisions of their lives felt just as meaningful as helping someone choose the perfect suit. It became clear he had not only found a career but a calling. CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

Danny Minolfo

Dean Cavero

SOPHIE JOKES, “I DON’T KNOW WHY I’M IN SCHOOL WHEN DAD AND DEAN CLEARLY MAKE REELS FOR A LIVING!”

Cavero’s path toward real estate was slower but no less rooted in prayer. After twenty-five years in logistics, he had built a stable career, but not one that ignited passion. Minolfo saw something in Cavero long before he saw it in himself and nudged him repeatedly. Cavero’s wife Shannon encouraged him to pray about the possibility of change, and slowly, signs began pointing toward a new direction. Cavero’s faith guided every step. “Christ is the foundation,” he says. “Every major decision starts with prayer.” When he helped his first clients discover Aiken, its neighborhoods, hidden gems and quirks, he felt something click. Guiding people through such a personal transition lit a spark he had been missing for years. Real estate wasn’t just a job. It was a new beginning God had prepared him for. The two friends share a bond built long before their careers aligned. They met in college, reconnected through fashion and became close after deciding to hold each other accountable in

their faith. What started as quick morning Bible studies grew into a brotherhood. They encourage one another, challenge one another and strengthen one another daily. Their families jokingly describe them as inseparable, and professionally, that closeness becomes an advantage for their clients. Minolfo brings the big-picture thinking, the natural storyteller’s charm and a gift for connection. Cavero brings the analytic mind, the love of data and the tech-savvy edge. They operate independently, but when needed, the other steps in without hesitation. Clients often say they get two realtors for the price of one. What the public sees, especially through their social media reels, is humor and personality that make them unforgettable. Their reels began as casual conversations and evolved into a blend of real estate insight, local storytelling and good-natured entertainment. Their wives know exactly how much fun the men have creating the videos. “They don’t have a serious bone in their CONTINUED >

I NSP IR E D BY | P RO FESSION AL SE RVICE S

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

bodies,” Jennifer Minolfo says with a smile. Their daughters agree. Sophie jokes, “I don’t know why I’m in school when Dad and Dean clearly make reels for a living!” McKenzie adds that watching them make people laugh shows just how much they love what they do. Family is the heart of everything for both men. Minolfo’s daughters and wife, Jennifer, describe him as loving, funny and deeply supportive. “He taught me the importance of waiting on God,” McKenzie shares. “I watched him walk through uncertainty with prayer and faith.” Sophie adds, “He always makes sure we’re laughing and having a good time.” Cavero’s wife, Shannon, and daughters have watched him transform into someone excited to wake up each day, confident in his purpose and grateful for his work. “When his work ethic aligned with something he truly loved, I knew he was exactly where he belonged,” Shannon says. Their daughters echo her pride. Olivia notes he seems more sure of himself, and Harper says, “He’s more excited to wake up and go to his job.” As they look ahead, the two are excited about new construction projects, investment ventures, creative collaborations and continued growth. But more than anything, they remain committed to serving with integrity, joy and unwavering faith. For Minolfo and Cavero, success is measured not in numbers but by the people they serve and lives they touch. And in Aiken, their impact is only just beginning.

“HE TAUGHT ME THE IMPORTANCE OF WAITING ON GOD,” MCKENZIE SHARES.

I NSP IR E D BY | P RO FESSION AL SE RVICE S

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Jeff Rienzo

Jan Friday

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Starting your child early with Dr. Thom is the best way to develop good habits that will beneﬁt your child for a lifetime. At Kitfox our number one goal is to treat your child so that he or she will look forward to coming to the dentist. Call today to reserve your child’s appointment with Dr. Thom: 803.393.4550 | www.kitfoxdental.com 1395 Silver Bluff Road, Aiken JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

Home Loans with Heart Matthew Hunter at Assurance Financial Brings Boutique Service and Big Company Strength to Aiken Matthew Hunter’s path to becoming Aiken’s most trusted mortgage professional was anything but predictable. His journey began far from the world of home loans, rooted instead in chemical equations and engineering plans. A 1991 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Hunter earned degrees in chemical engineering and biochemistry before moving south to begin a career as an environmental engineer. He spent eight years working at the Savannah River Site, driven by the idealism that defines so many young engineers, a desire to make a difference and change the world. But he soon learned that big systems are slow to change. “I had some ideas I really believed in,” he recalls, “but I kept running into walls.” Frustrated and searching for a new direction, Hunter found himself at a crossroads. Around that time, his wife, Kristi, had completed medical school in Charleston and received a residency in Augusta. The couple moved to North Augusta to begin a new chapter. Kristi’s medical career was taking off, and Hunter, eager to spend time with their boys, decided to step away from engineering and take on the role of stay-at-home dad with their move to Eatonton GA. The plan sounded simple enough until reality set in. “That lasted about six months,” he says with a laugh. “Kristi came home one evening after a long shift, and the house was a disaster.

ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA JUDY

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The boys and I had a great day, but there was no dinner on the table and no groceries in the fridge. She looked at me and said, “You have got to get a job.’” As fate would have it, his mother had started Hunter Mortgage Inc. in Aiken and happened to need help at the office. It seemed like a temporary arrangement at the time, but that decision would launch a career that’s now spanned over 25 years. He spent his time learning all the ropes of the industry and how to treat his clients with dignity and respect. The early 2000s brought a refinancing boom, and the office was busier than ever. Hunter began splitting his time between Georgia and Aiken, commuting several days a week to lend a hand. A few days turned into a full week, and before long, the Hunter family moved back to Aiken permanently. “It wasn’t a path I planned,” he admits, “but looking back, it was exactly where we were supposed to end up.”

Matt Hunter

At Hunter Mortgage, Hunter discovered that the skills he had honed as an engineer, precision, problem-solving and attention to detail, translated perfectly into the mortgage world. But what truly drew him in wasn’t the numbers or the paperwork; it was the people. He realized he loved helping clients navigate one of the most significant decisions of their lives. “I’ve always seen this job as a vocation, not just an occupation,” he says. For Hunter, the most rewarding moments come when first-time homebuyers walk into their new homes.

He takes pride in making the process less intimidating. “I love working with people who’ve never bought a house before,” he explains. “You can see the anxiety at the start, but when they sign those papers and get their keys, that joy is contagious. It’s fulfilling every single time.” Eventually, the family business began to wind down. His parents, Al and Beverlie, who had both poured their lives into Hunter Mortgage, were ready to slow down. His father, an accountant who had spent his career at Westinghouse before joining the family firm, handled payroll and reporting while his mother led the way and set the standard for taking care of all of her clients. “They were dedicated to the end, but it was time for them to be able to step back and enjoy all of their hard work.” What followed was a change in direction for the business. That change came through an unexpected connection. One of Kristi’s patients mentioned that her husband worked for Assurance Financial in Columbia. A conversation turned into an introduction, and soon Hunter connected with the company’s CONTINUED >

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leadership team. The more he learned, the more he felt it was the right move. “It just happened organically,” he says. “Assurance had the resources and infrastructure to handle all the back-office work so I could focus on what I love most, helping people.” Assurance Financial, a company that was boutique-built and enterprise-backed, offered exactly what Hunter had been looking for. The firm operates with the personal, concierge-style service of a boutique lender where every client feels known and supported but with the strength, technology and resources of a large financial institution. “It’s truly the best of both worlds,” Hunter explains. “We can Kayla

deliver that small-town level of care and attention that Aiken deserves while having the backing of a big corporate company that gives our clients confidence and security.” Hunter leads his office with the same warmth and integrity that has defined his entire career. At his side is Kayla, an exceptional assistant who keeps the office running seamlessly “Kayla’s amazing,” Hunter says. “She keeps everything on track and makes sure our clients always feel supported.” Of course, no visit to Hunter’s office at Assurance Financial would be complete without greeting his two loyal golden retrievers, Loki and Bowie. The friendly pair are beloved by clients, often lounging by the door or wagging their tails to welcome visitors. “They’re part of the family,” Hunter says. “People will drop by just to say hi to them.” Matthew’s story is one of perseverance and finding fulfillment in unexpected places. From environmental engineer to trusted mortgage professional, his journey reflects a belief that the best careers aren’t always planned; they’re built on passion, relationships and faith.

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INNOVATIVE PATHS TO WELLNESS AND Healing Dr. Rupal Patel offers Compassionate, Cutting-edge Mental Health Care to Aiken ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA JUDY

Dr. Rupal Patel has always carried Aiken in her heart. Raised in this community, she knew that one day she wanted to return home, raise her family and give back to the town that helped shape her. Today, as the owner and founder of Integrative Flow Psychiatry, she’s doing exactly that by offering Aiken residents a new path to healing through compassionate, innovative mental health care. Her journey to becoming Dr. Patel, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC began with her own struggle. In her early adulthood, life brought a series of painful challenges: her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis, the passing of her biological father and a battle with depression that left her feeling lost. She remembers days when she couldn’t find the strength to get out of bed and when the standard medications did little to ease her pain. Searching for answers, she moved to California where she discovered ketamine therapy, a treatment that would transform her life and later become the cornerstone of her career. Through her own experience, Patel began to understand what so many others endure, the quiet despair of depression and the desperate search for relief. She also learned that her biological father had suffered from mental health issues, and that knowledge, coupled with her own healing, made her feel called by God to pursue a new purpose. She went back to school, completed advanced psychiatric training and obtained three years of experience in interventional psychiatry before returning to Aiken to help others reclaim their lives the same way she had reclaimed hers.

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Dr. Rupal Patel

At Integrative Flow Psychiatry, Patel’s practice specializes in interventional psychiatry, a field that uses cutting-edge medical innovations to treat mental health disorders that have not responded to standard therapies. She offers several advanced options, including IV and IM ketamine treatments, Spravato® (intranasal esketamine) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). CONTINUED >

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Ketamine, the treatment closest to her heart, is often life-changing for those who have battled longterm depression, PTSD, or anxiety without relief. Unlike conventional antidepressants that can take weeks to show results ketamine works on a different pathway in the brain, often bringing noticeable improvement within hours or days. Patients describe the experience as “lifting the fog” or “finding hope again.” Each treatment at Integrative Flow is conducted in a calm, supportive setting where comfort, education and compassion are central. Dr. Patel closely monitors every patient, ensuring the therapy is both safe and effective. She has seen firsthand how ketamine can restore not only mood but also motivation and clarity. For many, it becomes the spark that helps them re-engage with therapy, relationships and life itself. “I’ve been there,” she often tells her patients. “I know what it feels like to think nothing will work. That’s why I do what I do. Because there is hope.” In addition to ketamine therapy, Dr. Patel offers Spravato®, a prescription nasal spray derived from ketamine that’s FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression. It provides similar benefits to IV and IM infusions but in a format some patients find easier to tolerate or maintain. Another powerful tool available at Integrative Flow is TMS, a non-invasive treatment that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. TMS is particularly effective for those who haven’t responded to medications and prefer a drug-free option. It’s painless, FDA-approved and has given many people new hope for recovery without the side effects of traditional antidepressants. Every service at Integrative Flow Psychiatry is grounded in Patel’s belief that healing requires both science and soul. Her practice blends the precision of modern medicine with the compassion of human connection. She takes time with every patient, listening deeply and working collaboratively to design a care plan that fits their goals and comfort level. Her gentle presence and personal understanding of suffering make her patients feel truly seen. Now back in the city that raised her with her husband and daughter by her side, Patel is doing what she was meant to do, helping others find light after darkness. At Integrative Flow Psychiatry, she continues to bring cutting-edge treatments and heartfelt care to Aiken, offering hope, healing and a reminder that no one has to walk their journey alone.

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Treatment Options at Integrative Flow Psychiatry IV Ketamine IM Ketamine Spravato® TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED Dry Needling · Deconditioning · General Musculoskeletal Pain General Orthopedic · Post Surgical Recovery and Sport Medicine and Rehabilitation ORTHOPEDIC & SPORTS PHYSICAL THERAPY 803.226.9196 · rainesphysicaltherapy.com 1393 Silver Bluff Rd, Aiken, South Carolina 29803

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kelleyhomestore.com | 803-226-0091 831 E Pine Log Road, Aiken, South Carolina 29803 JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

STRENGTH ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA JUDY

from

WITHIN

Specialized Therapy Offers Comfort, Strength and Renewed Confidence Raines Physical Therapy and Performance has long been known in Aiken as a place where patients feel genuinely cared for, supported and guided toward recovery by a team that treats everyone like family. Their recently completed remodel has not only refreshed their space but also opened the door for an exciting new service that is already making a profound difference in people’s lives. With the addition of a dedicated private treatment room, Raines has introduced pelvic floor therapy for both men and women, a specialty that many people need but often feel hesitant to talk about. Pelvic floor therapy focuses on the muscles, ligaments and connective tissues that support the bladder, bowel and reproductive organs. When these muscles are too weak, too tight or simply not functioning properly, people can experience symptoms that impact their quality of life, including bladder leakage, pelvic pain, lower back discomfort, constipation, postpartum recovery challenges and difficulty with core stability. These issues are incredibly common, yet many people are unsure where to seek help or may feel embarrassed to bring up their symptoms. Raines Physical Therapy wants the community to know that these concerns are normal, treatable and absolutely deserving of compassionate care. The remodeled clinic now features a completely private space dedicated to this therapy, allowing patients to receive treatment comfortably and confidentially. This thoughtful design reflects the values that owners Josh and Bethany Raines

continue to uphold in their practice. For them, this therapy was not an optional add-on but an essential investment in expanding access to services that people truly need. Bethany explained,“I felt it was important to have this therapy and reach a platform that it was ok for people to ask for help with their pelvic floor needs.” That sentiment resonates deeply with the patients who have already found relief through this specialized care. Pelvic floor therapy is especially beneficial for mothers who are preparing for childbirth or recovering postpartum. Pregnancy shifts the body’s alignment and places increased pressure on the pelvic floor. These changes can lead to muscle weakness or tension that affects bladder control, core stability and overall comfort. Therapy can help mothers feel stronger, improve mobility and regain confidence in their bodies. For women who have experienced childbirth related tearing, C-sections or pelvic pain, this kind of therapy can be life changing. Pelvic floor therapy is also an excellent option for equestrians and dancers, two groups who hold their bodies in rigid postures for long periods of time. These athletes rely heavily on core engagement, stability and precise control of their pelvic muscles. When these muscles become overly tight or imbalanced from repetitive activity, pain and movement, limitations can develop. Tailored therapy sessions help retrain these muscles, improve strength symmetrically and relieve strain that has built up over years of demanding physical activity. The same is true CONTINUED >

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“I felt it was important to have this therapy and reach a platform that it was ok for people to ask for help with their pelvic floor needs.”

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“Therapy can help mothers feel stronger, improve mobility and regain confidence in for individuals who have had major abdominal surgery. Strengthening the core after procedures like hysterectomies, hernia repairs or laparoscopic surgeries require targeted rehabilitation so the pelvic floor can function as part of a healthy, integrated system. Leading this new service is Kelly Resha, PT, DPT, a skilled therapist with more than ten years of experience. While getting her doctorate degree, Kelly worked closely with pregnant and postpartum women, and that early experience sparked a lasting passion for helping women whose bodies were changing as a result of pregnancy, surgery or hormone shifts. Her work in this specialty grew from that foundation and remains driven by her desire to support people through some of the most vulnerable and transformative seasons of their lives. Dr. Resha’s warm personality, clinical expertise and ability to create a safe environment allow patients to feel understood rather than self-conscious. For men and women alike, that feeling of trust is often the first step towards healing. Pelvic floor therapy itself is still a relatively new consideration for many people, but awareness is growing as more individuals are learning how effective it can be. It is a conservative, evidence-based approach that helps people avoid unnecessary medications or surgeries whenever possible. For countless patients, it has been a true game changer. The addition of pelvic floor therapy at Raines Physical Therapy speaks to the heart of who they are as a practice. Josh and Bethany Raines have always been committed to offering the highest standard of care to the Aiken community. Expanding into this specialty demonstrates their dedication to ensuring that no patient feels overlooked or unsupported. This new therapy is another step in their ongoing mission to meet the needs of the community with services that genuinely improve lives.

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New Year, New You Step into the New Year with NEW EARS! Make Hearing Better YOUR New Year's Resolution. Investing in your hearing health is one resolution that pays off every single day. There's no better time to refresh your hearing and reconnect with the sounds that matter the most. Start the year with clarity, confidence, and technology designed to help you hear your best in every moment. Let this be the year you listen and enjoy every sound along the way.

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JANUARY 2026

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S

JA NUA RY 2 2 N D

Scott Kirby's "Main Street Souvenirs" - Cultural Series The Etherredge Center at USC Aiken | 7:00 PM Step into a nostalgic journey with Scott Kirby’s Main Street Souvenirs, a live piano program celebrating 150 years of American music. Archival images, striking photography and Kirby’s own watercolor art accompany pieces from Stephen Foster to Scott Joplin, capturing everyday life and the enduring spirit of the American Heartland. JA NUA RY 2 4 T H

Mendelssohn's Italian Symphony The Etherredge Center at USC Aiken | 7:30 PM Immerse yourself in an evening of exceptional musicianship as Aiken Symphony artists Laurie Baynard and John Wickey perform Mozart’s rare double concerto. The program continues with a dynamic work by Jessie Montgomery and concludes with Mendelssohn’s vivid Italian Symphony, inspired by his travels through Europe. JA NUA RY 2 6T H

Blues, Gospel & Dixieland Concert African American Center for History, Arts and Culture | 6:30 PM The AAA Home School Band and the South Aiken Baptist Christian School Band, in conjunction with the Henry Laurens Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, are pleased to present a Revolutionary War Concert Series in celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary. The concert is free and open to the public.

Want to be featured? G E T I N T O U C H AT C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / A I K E N

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RICHARD MARKS, MD, FACS, FAOA Orthopedic Surgery, Foot and Ankle Disorders

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CARING FOR YOU

like NEIGHBORS.

SPECIALTIES INCLUDE:

Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Aiken Physicians Alliance Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is focused on keeping you engaged in the activities you love with comprehensive treatments, including both surgical and nonsurgical procedures. The board-certified orthopedic surgeons use advanced techniques and technology to diagnose and treat injuries and disorders involving the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves. Aiken Physicians Alliance is passionate about bringing advanced specialty care for the entire family, close to where you live and work. To schedule an appointment, visit aikenphysicians.com/ortho or call 803-761-9191.

GENERAL ORTHOPEDICS FRACTURE CARE SPORTS MEDICINE HIP AND KNEE REPLACEMENT FOOT AND ANKLE DISORDERS PEDIATRIC DISORDERS CARTILAGE RESTORATION HIP ARTHROSCOPY

We’re welcoming new patients. Dr. Castillo is fluent in Spanish. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 254447979-4449579 10/25

803-335-2272

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