Rachel Gennaro Smith, DPT, is a seasoned physical therapist with over 15 years of clinical experience, primarily in inpatient settings. After earning her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Thomas Jefferson University (Philadelphia) in 2009, Rachel began her career in acute rehabilitation and transitioned to acute care. Having practiced across diverse regions of the United States, she has developed a unique understanding of various cultures and care environments, enriching her ability to connect with patients. While she genuinely enjoys the opportunity to treat each patient population, she has a particular focus on adult neurological conditions (TBI, CVA, SCI) and critical care populations. Rachel has extensive training in specialized therapies in the acute rehabilitation setting, including equestrian therapy, locomotor training, and seating and mobility. While in acute care, she served as a lead physical therapist following training in a leadership workshop, completed vestibular training for both the acute care and emergency department environments, and acted as rehab representative for an Integrated Stroke Group. Throughout her career, Rachel has been committed to supporting novice clinicians and fostering interdisciplinary communication and has been highlighted as a strong patient advocate, helping to foster cohesive, patient-centered care. In addition to her clinical work, Rachel is passionate about education. She serves as adjunct faculty at a community college, teaching Anatomy and Physiology, as well as at a Doctor of Physical Therapy program, where she has led neuroanatomy and rehabilitation labs. Her dedication to education extends to her pursuit of a PhD in Health Professions Education at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, where she is evolving her expertise in training future healthcare professionals. Her current research focus is within clinical education, with emphasis on the growth of clinical instructors. A longstanding member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Rachel is also a credentialed Clinical Instructor for Levels I and II through the APTA. Her diverse experience and commitment to patient care, education, and professional development make her an engaging and highly knowledgeable presenter on the role of rehabilitation in early mobility for the critical care population.