dra. Rosalia arellano
physical therapist (she/her/ella)
Dra. Rosalia Arellano (she/her/ ella) is a neurologic physical therapist, educator, and community advocate whose work is deeply grounded in the belief that movement is medicine and the power of dance as a tool for healing, connection, and empowerment. Rosalia’s approach honors the transformative potential of rhythm, creativity, and shared movement experiences—especially for individuals with neurologic conditions who have historically been excluded from dance spaces.
A proud alumna of San Diego State University, she earned her BS in Kinesiology before completing her Master’s in Physical Therapy through the UC San Francisco/San Francisco State University joint program. She later became a Board‑Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist and earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, shaping a career devoted to neurologic wellness, equity, and community‑centered care.
Rosalia’s professional journey spans more than two decades across neurologic, geriatric, and community health settings, always with a focus on underserved populations, culturally responsive care, and reducing stigma around disability and mental health. Whether supporting dancers, teaching students, or building community partnerships, she leads with compassion, cultural humility, and a commitment to creating environments where every person can freely express, and belong, a commitment reflected in her longstanding advocacy and leadership roles within the California Physical Therapy Association.
