Haley Gerken joined the Samford faculty in 2025, following a career in clinical practice. She has experience working in acute and subacute rehabilitation settings, with clinical interests in early mobility in the intensive care unit, interdisciplinary communication and the rehabilitation of patients with cardiac and pulmonary diagnoses. In 2022, she earned board certification in geriatrics, which advanced her practice and improved patient outcomes. Her research interests include interprofessional education in health care, improving geriatric outcomes, promoting mobility within health care systems and supporting student success in the acute care setting. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their two dogs, Nala and Snoopy.

Degrees and Certifications

• Doctor of Physical Therapy, Samford University 
• Master of Science in Exercise Science, Biomechanics,  Auburn University
• Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Auburn University
• Credentialed Clinical Instructor Program, Level 1, American Physical Therapy Association 

Involvement

• American Physical Therapy Association, Alabama Chapter, Alabama State Advocate for the Academy of Acute Care 
• American Physical Therapy Association, Member of the Academy of Acute Care, Geriatrics and Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy

Expertise

• Geriatrics
• Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy
• Acute Care Physical Therapy