Faculty and Staff

Morris “Rick” Casano Beato is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of Central Florida. He is the Director of the UCF & Orlando Health Neurologic Residency Program. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy degree at the University of Perpetual Help and his post-professional Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of South Dakota. He is a Board Certified Specialist in both Geriatric and Neurologic Physical Therapy. Beato is the immediate past Chair of the Geriatric Specialty Council and is a current member of the Neurologic Specialty Council of the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. He is a Certified Exercise Expert for the Aging Adult by the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy and is trained in Neuro Integrated Functional Rehabilitation and Habilitation treatment for stroke and brain injury as well as LSVT BIG and PWR! for Parkinson’s disease. Beato is a recipient of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy Outstanding Service Award. He is the current Chair of the Florida Physical Therapy Association’s Neurologic Special Interest Group. He has been published in peer reviewed journals including the Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy and Physical Therapy in Sport.