Melisa M. Smith, PT, DPT, Ed.D.

Melisa M. Smith, PT, DPT, Ed.D.
Associate Professor of PT; Director of Curriculum DPT-CO
School of Health Professions
Education
Ed.D. in Teaching and Learning, 2024, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences; DPT, 2012, Utica University; Post- Baccalaureate Certificate in Advanced Pediatric Physical Therapy, 2012, Texas Woman’s University; B.S. in Physical Therapy, 1995, St. Louis University
Biography
Dr. Melisa Smith earned a B.S. in physical therapy from St. Louis University, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Utica College and Ed.D. in teaching and learning from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. She also holds a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in advanced pediatric physical therapy from Texas Woman’s University. Smith has more than 30 years of clinical experience across the continuum of care, including inpatient and outpatient pediatrics, acute care, rehabilitation, skilled nursing, home health and outpatient orthopedics. Her passion lies in pediatric and neurological rehabilitation, along with working with underserved communities. Her research interests focus on student learning and assessment, clinical education models and shared decision-making in physical therapy. She has presented her work at the state and national levels and remains active in professional organizations including the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and APTA Georgia.
Smith has taught in physical therapy and physical therapist assistant education programs along with undergraduate programs since 2014. She is committed to creating inclusive and student-centered learning environments that promote professional identity, critical thinking and leadership in physical therapy practice.
Originally from Puerto Rico, Smith is fluent in Spanish and passionate about mentoring students from underrepresented backgrounds. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, live music and spending time with her family and dogs.