Angela Rusher
- Program Director
- arusher@samuelmerritt.edu
- Phone
- 7375
- Phone
- 510.879.9200 Ext. 7375
- Office
- Peralta Pavilion, Oakland
- Department
- Doctor of Physical Therapy
What they teach
I teach 2nd year DPT courses in the neuromuscular patient and client management series and the pro bono community based exercise program. For the first year DPT cohort, you can find me as an instructor in the simulation learning & integrated clinical experience (SLICE week).
Clinical practice area
My clinical background is in neurologic physical therapy with experience in the acute care, acute rehabilitation, and outpatient neuro settings. I hold a board certification as a clinical specialist in neurologic physical therapy with an interest in bridging the gap between rehabilitation and health promotion and wellness.
Community involvement
I partner with the Parkinson Foundation to host pro bono group exercise classes with students at our Oakland City Center campus in the fall term which builds off of our pro bono course that partners with PDActive & Parkinson Network of Mt. Diablo to support people with PD beyond the traditional clinical setting. Additionally, I'm an active volunteer in my community serving as a Recreational Swim Team Director and participating in a variety of philanthropic efforts through the National Charity League. Through NCL, I work closely with the Sydney Paige Foundation to help provide school supplies and backpacks to foster children, as well as Choice in Aging to support individuals aging in place.
Notable affiliations
In addition to teaching at SMU, I serve on a community outreach task force at a national level through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
Selected scholarly highlights
My research focuses on supporting individuals with neurologic disability access PT-informed health promotion and wellness. Additionally, I promote transformational leadership as a PT professional identity and identify how our leadership practices align. I've presented my work nationally at the Educational Leadership Conference through the APTA.
