Angela Rusher

Programs and Courses Taught

PHYTH 713 Patient and Client Management Neuromuscular I
PHYTH 718 Patient and Client Management Neuromuscular II
PHYTH 737 Exercise Prescription III
PHYTH 761 Simulation Learning & Integrated Clinical Experience
PHYTH 708 Pro Bono Experiences - Community Based Exercise Programs

About Me

As a board-certified neurologic physical therapist and proud Samuel Merritt University alumna, I am passionate about helping students develop into compassionate, evidence-informed clinicians who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to their patients, communities, and the profession. My career has spanned clinical practice, clinical education, and academic leadership, with a particular focus on neurologic rehabilitation and improving quality of life for individuals living with neurologic conditions. Having worked across acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient neurologic practice, and community wellness settings, I strive to help students connect classroom learning with the realities of patient care and professional practice.

What I enjoy most about teaching is creating opportunities for students to grow in confidence, clinical reasoning, leadership, and professional identity. I believe physical therapists have the potential to be transformative leaders within healthcare, and I am committed to fostering learning environments that challenge, support, and inspire students to reach their full potential. As both a faculty member and Program Director, I am dedicated to advancing excellence in physical therapy education while strengthening partnerships that connect our students with the communities they serve.

Education

I received my undergraduate degree in Biopsychology with a minor in health and exercise science from the University of California, Santa Barbara, Doctor of Physical Therapy from Samuel Merritt University, and a PhD in Education and Leadership from Pacific University in Oregon.

Teaching Interests

I enjoy teaching within the Patient and Client Management Neuromuscular series, where I have the opportunity to support students in developing the clinical skills, clinical reasoning, and professional confidence needed to work effectively with individuals living with neurologic conditions. I am particularly passionate about helping students bridge foundational knowledge with real-world patient care and fostering evidence-informed, person-centered approaches to neurologic rehabilitation.

I am also deeply committed to community engagement and experiential learning. Through our pro bono courses, I enjoy partnering with community members and mentoring students as they develop compassionate, collaborative, and evidence-informed approaches to neurologic health promotion and wellness.

Scholarly Interests

My scholarly work and presentations focus on neurologic rehabilitation, transformational leadership, neurologic health promotion, and innovative educational practices in physical therapy

Publications

1. Rusher A, Ikeda K, Vestal E. Disorders of the Basal Ganglia.  In: Lazaro, R. Umphred’s Neurological Rehabilitation. 7th Ed. Elsevier, 2019. 
2. Hardage JB, Rusher A, Widener W. Neuromuscular Physical Therapy and the Older Adult. Billek-Sawhney B, ed. Focus: Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant Practice in Geriatrics 2020: Issue 2. Madison, WI: Section on Geriatrics; 2021.
3. Poster Presentations:
4. Rusher AB. Leadership practices of neurologic physical therapists innovating health promotion & wellness practice models for people with neurologic disability. Interprofessional Leadership Conference poster– Pacific University, Oregon, 2023
5. Rusher AB. Bridging the Gap by Smudging the Lines: Physical Therapy Leadership Practices & Transformational Exercise Innovation for People with Neurological Disability. Interprofessional Leadership Conference poster – Pacific University, Oregon, 2022
6. Rusher AB. Shifting mental models throughout the continuum of care for people with neurological disability. Interprofessional Leadership Conference poster – Pacific University, Oregon. 2021
7. Hardage JB, Rusher AB, Widener GL. The eight-fold path to wellness for people with parkinson’s disease: a framework for collaborative practice among yoga teachers, yoga therapists, and physical therapists. CPTA Annual conference poster 2020

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
•    APTA Academy of Education
•    APTA Academy of Neurologic PT

Community Service

My community service and outreach serve multiple interests. I am passionate about supporting our community of people with Parkinson Disease and other neurologic disorders in accessing evidence-informed health promotion and wellness pro bono programs supported by SMU faculty and students

Additionally, I support my direct community through a PT-informed lens in multiple ways. As a PT for a girls youth club soccer team I educate them on injury prevention exercise, as well as good health and nutrition. I also serve as the swim team director for a recreational swim club which supports over 200 swimmers in my community run solely by volunteers. I am also a part of a service organization where I volunteer with various community groups and partner with philanthropies such as Choice in Aging supporting aging at home geriatric care and caregiver support, as well as the Sydney Paige Foundation providing school supplies for foster care and underserved groups.

Honors & Awards

• Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award – Pacific University, Oregon – 2022
• Director’s Scholarship – Pacific University, Oregon – 2022
• Director’s Scholarship – Pacific University, Oregon - 2021