Biography
Samantha Marocco is the Chair/Director of Physical Therapy and a Clinical Professor of Physical Therapy. She completed a BS in Physical Therapy and a DPT at Russell Sage College.
She also completed a MS in Basic Science at Clarkson University and an EdD in Health Professions Education at Logan University. She is currently completing a Fellowship in Higher Education Leadership through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
Dr. Marocco is a Board-Certified Physical Therapy Clinical Specialist Emeritus in Geriatrics with decades of experience working with older adults. She is an active member of the New York Physical Therapy Association (NYPTA) and the APTA, including being a member of the Section for Education and the Section for Geriatrics.
Dr. Marocco has been a physical therapy educator for almost thirty years and has taught in both entry-level and post-professional physical therapy education programs. She has previous administrative experience as a hospital clinic director, a Director of Clinical Education, and as a Program Director. She embraces transformational and servant leadership and is focused on faculty development and student success.
Dr. Marocco’s research interests include student development of clinical reasoning skills and professional behaviors, the role of experiential learning and integrated clinical experiences in DPT education, the impact of the built environment on health professional’s wellbeing, and the use of therapeutic exercise with individuals with memory impairment.
Education Background
- APTA Fellowship in Higher Education Leadership – July 2025-July 2026
- Doctor of Education (EdD) – 2024 Logan University
- Doctor of Physical Therapy – 2008 Russell Sage College
- Master of Science in Basic Science (Gerontology Focus) – 2002 Clarkson University
- Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy - 1995 Russell Sage College
Experience
Professional Societies & Committees
APTA and NYPTA (1999-present)
- APTA NY Program Committee, 2025-present
- NYPTA Annual Conference Committee, 2001-2008
- NYPTA Delegate Assembly, 2001-2004
- NYPTA Lobby Day, 2001 and 2002
International Society to Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment
2022 - 2023
New York New Jersey Clinical Education Consortium
2000 – 2006; 2024-2025
American Geriatric Society
2003 - 2005
Courses Taught
Clarkson University:
PT 510 Professional Formations I: The PT Profession
PT 535 PT Management of Pediatric Conditions
PT 640 Professional Formations II: Diversity and Teambuilding
PT 632 Critical Inquiry II
PT 655 Management of Complex Conditions I
PT 695 Comprehensive Patient Management
PT 696 Evidence Based Clinical Practice
PT 645 Autonomous Practice
PT 665 Social Advocacy
PT 102 Introduction to Healthcare
PT 201 Healthcare Systems
PT 301 Scientific Basis of Healthcare
PT 501 Anatomy and Physiology
PT 601 Neurological Science and Treatment
PT 611 Integrated Systems
PT 502, PT 512, PT 522, PT 532, PT 602, PT 612, PT 614, PT 622, PT 632-Clinical Education Courses
Courses Taught at Other Universities:
PHT 701 Foundations for Autonomous Practice
PHT 712 Prevention and Wellness
PHT 716 Global Health Care
PHT 721 Diagnostic Imaging I
PHT 722 Diagnostic Imaging II
PHT 816 Capstone-Case Report
PHT 816 Capstone-Community Project
PHT 816 Capstone-Prep for Clinical Specialty
PHT 816 Capstone-Professional Inservice
PHT 816 Capstone-Teaching
IPE 504 Interprofessional Practice and Leadership
DPT 659 Clinical Affiliation I
DPT 695 Evidence in Clinical Practice III
DPT 779 Clinical Affiliation II
DPT 789 Clinical Affiliation III
IPE 102 Introduction to Interprofessional Education
HLS 313 Personal Fitness and Wellness
Teaching Interests
Dr. Marocco has taught a variety of physical therapy courses. Her current teaching interests include leadership, professional identity, research, and experiential learning courses.
Service
CLARKSON UNIVERSITY
Clarkson University Middle States Self Study Working Group-Standard V, Member: August 2025-present
Lewis School of Health and Life Sciences Media Club Committee, Founding Member: August 2025-present
Clarkson University DPT Assessment Committee: Chair, March 2025-present
Clarkson University DPT Student Progression Committee, Chair: March 2025-present
Clarkson University DPT Research Committee, Member: 2025-present
Clarkson University DPT Curriculum Committee, Member: March 2025-present
Clarkson University PT Library Committee, Member: Fall 2000 - Spring 2006
Clarkson University PT Admissions Committee, Member: Fall 2000 – Spring 2006
Clarkson University 504/ADA Committee, Member: Fall 2000 – Spring 2006
Clarkson University PT Clinical Education Committee, Chair: Fall 2000 – Spring 2006
Clarkson University PT Curriculum Committee, Chair: Fall 2002 – Spring 2004; Member: Fall 2000 – Spring 2006
Clarkson University Dean Search Committee, Member: July 2002 – 2004
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Professional Community
Book Reviews
The Interprofessional Health Care Team (2 nd ed.) by Donna Weiss, Felice Tilin, and Marlene J. Morgan
January 2022
Comparative Health Systems (2 nd ed.) by James Johnson, Carleen Stoskopf, and Leiyu Shi
July 2021
Global Health Care: Issues and Policies: (4 th ed.) by Carol Holtz
July 2018
Global Health Care: Issues and Policies (3 rd ed.) by Carol Holtz
November 2017
Journal Article Reviewer
Journal of Physical Therapy Education
2024-present
Journal of Clinical Education in Physical Therapy
2025-present
Journal of Allied Health
2026-present
Continuing Education Courses Developed/Presented
Person-Centered Integrative Healthcare for Residents with Dementia in Skilled Nursing Facilities
Utica University 1.0 hour
September 13, 2025
Faculty Development Program for Physical Therapy Clinical Instructors: How to Assess Students’ Clinical Reasoning Skills
Utica University 3.0 hours
May 2023
Helpful Hints for the Physical Therapist Working with Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
Clarkson University 1.0 hours
July 2011
Physical Therapy Management of Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease
Home Study Course written for the APTA Geriatric Section
2010
Consultative and Advisory Positions
Feitelberg Scholarship Steward (Clarkson University)
Fall 2023-present
Specialization Academy of Content Experts (SACE): 2003 – 2008
- Content Expert for Geriatric Specialty Examination, 2005-2008
- Standard Setting Committee for SACE for Geriatric Specialty Examination, April 2004
- Item Writer for SACE for Geriatric Examination, 2003-2004
Local Community
Support Group Facilitator
Alzheimer’s Disease Support Group for Caregivers
Saranac Lake, NY
2005-2013
Board Member
Saranac Lake Young Arts Association
Saranac Lake, NY
2024-Present: Member; Treasurer
Research Interests
- Integrated Clinical Experiences
- Development of clinical reasoning skills
- Impact of built environment on health professional’s wellbeing
- Therapeutic exercise prescription for older adults with memory impairment
Current Research
Impact of an Integrated Clinical Experience on DPT Student’s Self-Assessed Clinical Reasoning Skills.
Primary Investigator
Phase of Activity: Completing edits for publication in Journal of Clinical Education
in Physical Therapy; Conference presentation at NYPTA Annual Conference
Attitude and Practice Regarding Dietary Supplements: A Cross-Cultural Study.
Co-Investigator (with Provost, T., Hashemian, M., Corriette, L., Errico, D., Hallock, P.)
Phase of Activity: Data Collection; Presentation at national nutrition conference
Assessing Professional Growth of Physical Therapists: Use of the Core Values Self-Assessment with Post Professional Transitional Doctorate of Physical Therapy Students
Co-Investigator (with Errico, D.)
Phase of Activity: Data analysis
The Impact of Light in the Built Environment on Healthcare Employees: A Scoping Review
Co-Investigator (with Cross, A. & Errico, D.)
Phase of Activity: Submitted for publication in HERD/Presented at conferences
The Impact of Light in the Built Environment on Healthcare Employees: A Case Report on Interprofessional Research
Co-Investigator (with Cross, A. & Errico, D.)
Phase of Activity: Writing manuscript; Presented at conference
Awards
Logan University Evidence Informed Mission Award
Logan University
April 26, 2024
Board Certified Physical Therapy Clinical Specialist in Geriatrics
American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
Initial Certification: June 2002- June 2012
Renewal of Certification: June 2012- June 2022
Emeritus Status: June 2022
Grants
Co-Investigators: Samantha Marocco, Stacey Zeigler; PI: Dr. Edward Sazonov
CREST ($3000.00) and Gen’*y*sis ($600.00)
Classification of Plantar Pressure and Heel Acceleration Patterns Using Neural
Networks. 2004-2005
Grant Writer and Administrator: Samantha Marocco
$56,000.00 Langeloth Foundation
Lymphedema Rehabilitation Grant
Rehabilitation Department: Adirondack Medical Center
9/2000 – 9/2001
Publications
Dolatkhah, N., Corriette, L., Errico, D., Provost, T., Marocco, S., Hallock, P., Hashemian, M. Presentation Abstract: Attitudes and Practices Regarding Dietary
Supplements: A Cross-Cultural Study. Current Developments in Nutrition. 2025
Marocco, S., O’Connor, J. J., York, A., Haab, R., Drake, A. Poster Abstract: The Impact of Aerobic Activity on Individuals with Dementia: A Systematic Review. Alzheimer’s & Dementia®: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association. 2022
Sazonov, E., Sun, Z., Zeigler, S., Marocco, S., Fulk, G. A Methodology for Assessing Risk of Falling Based on Data from Wearable Sensors. Parkinsonism & Related Disorders. 2010; 16(Supplement 1): S65. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1353-8020(10)70229-7
Buccieri, K., Schultze, K., Dungley, J., Kolodziej, T., Malta, S., Marocco, S., Michaels, J., Stolove, R. Self-Reported Characteristics of Physical Therapy Clinical Instructors: A Comparison to the American Physical Therapy Association’s Guidelines and Self-Assessments for Clinical Education. Journal of Physical Therapy Education. Spring 2006; 20(1): 47-55.
Sazonov, E., Bumpus, T., Zeigler, S. L., Marocco, S. Classification of Plantar Pressure and Heel Acceleration Patterns Using Neural Networks. Neural Networks - Proceedings 2005 IEEE International Joint Conference. 2005; 5: 3007-3010.
Conference Presentations
Marocco, S, Nunno-Evans, M., Simpson, B. Changes in Clinical Instructors' Attitudes and Practices after Participating in a Clinical Reasoning Workshop.
Physical Therapy Educational Leadership Conference. Poster Presentation. Kansas City, MO. October 17, 2025.
Marocco, S. Person-Centered Integrative Healthcare for Residents with Dementia in Skilled Nursing Facilities. Platform Presentation. Presentation. Institute for the Study of Integrative Healthcare Conference. Utica, NY. September 13, 2025.
Corriette, L., Errico, D., Hashemian, M., Marocco, S., Provost, T. Attitudes and Practices Related to Dietary Supplement Use in Iran. Poster Presentation. Institute for the Study of Integrative Healthcare Conference. Utica, NY. September 13, 2025.
Errico, D., Marocco, S., Provost, T., Corriette, L., & Hashemian, M. Challenges of an Interprofessional Multinational Survey on Dietary Supplements. Platform Presentation. Institute for the Study of Integrative Healthcare Conference. Utica, NY. September 13, 2025.
Marocco, S. Impact of an Integrated Clinical Experience on Physical Therapy Students' Self-Assessed Clinical Reasoning Skills. Poster Presentation. APTA New York 2025 Conference. Albany, NY. June 1, 2025.
Dolatkhah, N., Corriette, L., Errico, D., Provost, T., Marocco, S., Hallock, P., Hashemian, M. Attitudes and Practices Regarding Dietary Supplements: A Cross-
Cultural Study. Platform Presentation. American Society for Nutrition: Nutrition 2025 Conference. Orlando, FL. May 31, 2025.
Marocco, S. Impact of an Integrated Clinical Experience on DPT Student’s Self-Assessed Clinical Reasoning Skills. Platform presentation. Utica College Faculty Research Day. Utica, NY. November 19, 2024.
Marocco, S., Cross, A., Errico, D. The Impact of Lighting on Healthcare Professionals: A Scoping Review. Poster Presentation. New York Physical Therapy
Association Annual Conference. Saratoga Springs, NY. October 5, 2023.
Marocco, S. Faculty Development Workshop for Physical Therapy Clinical Instructions: How to Assess Students’ Clinical Reasoning Skills. Utica University
(Virtual). 3.0 hours May 16 th and 23 rd , 2023.
Provost, T., Hashemian, M., Corriette, L., Marocco, S., Errico, D., Hallock, P. Attitude and Practice Regarding Dietary Supplements: A Cross Cultural Study.
Platform Presentation. Utica University Faculty Research Day. Utica, N.Y. November 14, 2022.
Marocco, S., Cross, A., Errico, D. The Impact of Lighting on Healthcare Professionals: A Scoping Review. Institute for the Study of Integrative Healthcare
Conference. Utica, NY. September 10, 2022.
Marocco, S., Cross, A., Errico, D. Interprofessional Collaboration in Integrative Health Research: A Case Report. Institute for the Study of Integrative Healthcare Conference. Utica, NY. September 10, 2022.
Marocco, S., O’Connor, J. J., York, A., Haab, R., Drake, A. The Impact of Aerobic Activity on Individuals with Dementia: A Systematic Review. Alzheimer’s
Association International Conference. San Diego, CA/Virtual. July 31-August 4, 2022.
Marocco, S., Cross, A., Errico, D. The Impact of Lighting upon Healthcare Workers: Scoping Review and Case Report. Poster Presentation. Utica College Faculty Research Day. Utica, N.Y/Virtual. November 17, 2021.
Marocco, S. Helpful Hints for the Physical Therapist Working With Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease: Continuing Education Course. Clarkson University. Potsdam, N.Y. 1.0 hours July 2011.
Marocco, S. Physical Therapy Management of Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease Home Study Course written for the APTA Geriatric Section. 2010.
Errico D, Marocco S, Zeigler S. Use of Oral History in Physical Therapy Student Education: A Case Report. Poster Presentation. American Physical Therapy
Association: Annual Conference. Boston, MA. June 17, 2010.
Sazonov E, Sun Z, Zeigler S, Marocco S, Fulk G. A Methodology for Assessing Risk of Falling Based on Data from Wearable Shoe Sensors. Poster Presentation. 3rd International Congress on Gait and Mental Function. Washington, DC. February, 26 - 27, 2010.
Marocco, S. Geriatric Physical Therapy in the 1960’s: Two Oral Histories. Poster presentation. American Physical Therapy Association: Annual Conference.
Baltimore, MD. June 2009.
Marocco, S. Geriatric Physical Therapy in New York in the 1960’s: Two Oral Histories. Platform presentation. New York Physical Therapy Association: Annual
Conference. Saratoga Springs, NY. October 2009.
Marocco, S. Geriatric Physical Therapy in the 1960’s: Two Oral Histories. Platform presentation. Utica College Faculty Research Day. Utica, NY. October 2009.
Zeigler S, Marocco S. Competency Based, Value Weighted Hiring: A Case Report. Poster Presentation. American Physical Therapy Association: Combined Section’s Meeting (CSM). Boston, MA. February 16, 2007.
Marocco S, Ryan D. Physical Therapy Management of an Individual with Primary Lymphedema. Platform presentation. New York Physical Therapy Association: Annual Conference. Long Island, NY. October, 2006.
Sazonov ES, Bumpus T, Zeigler S, Marocco S. Classification of Plantar Pressure and Heel Acceleration Patterns Using Neural Networks. Presented at and published in the Proceedings of International Joint Conference on Neural Networks. Montreal, Quebec. 2005.
Marocco S, Ryan D. Physical Therapy Management of an Individual with Primary Lymphedema. Poster presentation. American Physical Therapy Association: Annual Conference. Boston, MA. June, 2005.
Buccieri K, Schultze K, Dungley J, Kolodziej T, Malta S, Marocco S, Michaels J, Stolove R. Self-Reported Characteristics of Physical Therapy Clinical Instructors: A Comparison to the American Physical Therapy Association’s Guidelines and Self-Assessments for Clinical Education. Poster presentation. National Clinical Education Conference. St. Louis, Missouri. September 30, 2004.
Marocco S. The Use of Technology in Medical Clinical Education. Poster presentation. Associated Colleges of the St. Lawrence Valley Conference on Instructional Technology. Canton, NY. March 6, 2004.