Kayla Gray-Hillian's passion for physical therapy was forged through her own journey as an athlete. After tearing her labrum and rotator cuff during her senior year of high school — and then sustaining the same injury again while playing Division II lacrosse at Alderson Broaddus University — she spent countless hours in physical therapy working toward a return to the sport she loved. With the guidance of an incredible physical therapist, Kayla was able to get back on the field feeling more capable, resilient, and confident than before. Those experiences shaped her desire to pursue a career where she could help athletes return to their sport with that same strength and belief in themselves.
Kayla earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with minors in Strength and Conditioning and Psychology from Alderson Broaddus University, where she also played collegiate lacrosse. She is a Certified Personal Trainer through the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) and applied that knowledge during college by developing and leading strength and conditioning programs for her university's lacrosse program. She went on to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Marymount University, where she was drawn in part by the program's international physical therapy service trip to Guatemala — an experience that reinforced her belief that quality healthcare should be accessible to all.
During her undergraduate years, Kayla gained hands-on experience as an intern and physical therapy technician in both pediatric and outpatient settings, further strengthening her desire to work with athletes and active individuals. Her clinical training in PT school continued to build on that foundation, preparing her to treat a wide range of orthopedic and sports-related conditions.
Kayla's clinical interests include lacrosse-related rehabilitation, overhead athletes, and vestibular rehabilitation. She is currently pursuing her Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification to further expand her ability to help athletes reach their full potential. Beyond the clinic, Kayla hopes to continue volunteering as a physical therapist, providing care to underserved communities around the world. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA).
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