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Physical Therapist (PT)
Dana Daniel Blake
PT, DPT, MS
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Professional Bio
Dana Daniel Blake is an associate professor and the director of clinical education at Samford University. Blake, a 1993 graduate with a biology degree, comes from a long legacy of Samford graduates—her husband and mother are alumni, and her grandfather took lay minister classes when it was Howard College. With more than 25 years of experience as a clinician and multi-site clinical director, she has earned national recognition for her work in financial management, patient care, and best practice techniques. Blake received the Barbara Bradford Leadership Award from the American Physical Therapy Association in 2024 for her outstanding leadership and the 2020 Collegiality Award from the School of Health Professions for her contributions to the academic community.
Blake has taught courses nationwide in manual therapy, dry needling, and spine care. Her certifications include Manual Therapy Certification (MTC), Orthopedics Certified Specialist (OCS), and Certified Physical Work Performance Evaluator (PWPE). She has worked in both for-profit and not-for-profit health care settings, bringing her extensive knowledge and passion for service delivery to the DPT program at Samford.
Active in her community and church, Blake participates in mission trips and supports women recovering from cancer through fly fishing and spiritual encouragement. She enjoys gardening, hiking, and spending time with her family on their lake property. Her favorite Bible verse, Jeremiah 29:11, guides her approach to mentoring students and colleagues in both faith and professional development.
Degrees and Certifications
DPT, Physical Therapy, College of St. Scholastica
MSPT, Physical Therapy, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Bachelor of Science in Biology, Samford University
Orthopedic Certification Specialist, American Physical Therapy Association
Manual Therapy Certification, University of St. Augustine
Blake has taught courses nationwide in manual therapy, dry needling, and spine care. Her certifications include Manual Therapy Certification (MTC), Orthopedics Certified Specialist (OCS), and Certified Physical Work Performance Evaluator (PWPE). She has worked in both for-profit and not-for-profit health care settings, bringing her extensive knowledge and passion for service delivery to the DPT program at Samford.
Active in her community and church, Blake participates in mission trips and supports women recovering from cancer through fly fishing and spiritual encouragement. She enjoys gardening, hiking, and spending time with her family on their lake property. Her favorite Bible verse, Jeremiah 29:11, guides her approach to mentoring students and colleagues in both faith and professional development.
Degrees and Certifications
DPT, Physical Therapy, College of St. Scholastica
MSPT, Physical Therapy, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Bachelor of Science in Biology, Samford University
Orthopedic Certification Specialist, American Physical Therapy Association
Manual Therapy Certification, University of St. Augustine
Physical Therapist (PT)