Mari Smith, PT, DPT

“I have always known that I wanted a career in the healing arts because of my passion for helping people gain their highest quality of life. I am surrounded by intelligent colleagues who are consistently challenging me and helping me to improve my skills as a physical therapist. Atlanta PT is structured to dedicate adequate time for productive evaluation and treatment sessions so our quality of care is outstanding and our patients recuperate quickly with lasting results.”

Mari Smith, a native of Atlanta who brings over 20 years of physical therapy experience with a focus in neurology to Atlanta PT. She holds a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Utica College, a Master’s in Physical Therapy from The Medical College of Georgia, and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology from the University of Georgia.

Mari began her career in the pediatric field in 2001 for 5 years, providing physical therapy services to children with developmental delays and diagnoses such as Autism Spectrum disorders, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Angelman Syndrome, and Prader-Willi Syndrome.

Her neurological specialty bridged into the adult and geriatric population for the next eight years. As a physical therapist in Home Care, Mari provided physical therapy to help restore function for patients suffering from vertigo, generalized weakness, balance impairment, CVA, Parkinson’s, surgery, Lewy Body dementia, pain and wounds.

From 2009-2011, Mari led a staff of therapists as the Rehab Specialty Director for Amedisys Home Health in the metro Atlanta area. She was responsible for the implementation, coordination and evaluation of the specialized Balanced for Life © Therapy Vestibular Rehabilitation Program. Promoted to Area Rehab Director in 2012, Mari’s duties expanded to a national territory.

Over the last 10 years she has specialized in vestibular disorders, including peripheral and central vertigo, BPPV, post-concussion syndrome, Cranio-cervical Vertigo, gait problems, TMJ and headaches. Mari uses specialized techniques to evaluate and rehabilitate the vestibular system. Combining these techniques with manual therapy and strength training, Mari’s treatment approach is comprehensive, so that all body systems are rehabilitated to their full potential. Whether it’s working with athletes post-concussion or treating patients with severe vertigo, Mari’s goal is to return her patients to the life they enjoy living.

Mari is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, including neurology and private practice sections.

She has been married to her husband Brent for 23 years. They have a 19 year old son, Walker, and an 15 year old daughter, Sara Alden. Mari enjoys riding horses with her daughter in her free time, and caring for her many rescue animals she has acquired through the years.