Continuing Education Course Instructor

Roberta “Bertie” Gatlin, PT, DSc, PCS is currently providing services in the early intervention setting specifically assessing the transition of infants and families from the NICU to EI. She completed her career as an Associate Professor and Director of Admission for South College Department of Physical Therapy in July 2023. She has been a Board Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist from 2001 thru 2021. Her experience draws from over 30 years in the field of pediatric physical therapy. She is an adjunct professor in the Physical Therapy Department at Emory & Henry College, Marion, Virginia. She provides post-professional education for Educational Resources Inc. and Medbridge Education. Bertie provides programming instruction for Brooks Institute of Higher Learning Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency. Bertie’s experience encompasses physical therapy within the NICU, developmental follow-up clinic and outpatient pediatrics, servicing all age levels. She has been a department director for an acute care hospital and an outpatient pediatric rehabilitation center.

She graduated from University of Memphis in 1986 with a BS in Special Education and from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center Department of Physical Therapy in 1989 with a BS in Physical Therapy and completed her Doctor of Science with an emphasis in Neurological and Pediatric Physical Therapy in 2013. She received her Board Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialty in 2001 and recertification in 2011. 

Her research has focused on the infant with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and the outcome measurements used to identify their developmental needs.

• – Bertie currently holds the Treasure Position for the APTA Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Executive Board and is Past Chair of the Neonatology Specialty Interest Group.
• – Outstanding Service Award. Tennessee Physical Therapy Association, April 2019
• – Recognition Award for Service. Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy, January 2019
• – Special Recognition Award. Tennessee Physical Therapy Association, April 2016
• – Appreciation of Service. TPTA, Memphis District. November 2015
• – Alpha Eta Society 2014
• – Maurice Elliott Leadership Institute (MELI), Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare & University of Memphis, 2009
• – Excellence in Clinical Practice Award, Tennessee Physical Therapy Association, 2008
• – Employee of the Month, Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown, June 2004
• – Clinical Instructor of the Year, University of Tennessee Department of Physical Therapy, 2003