Ceren Acik, PTA, PT, MSc

Ceren’s interest in human body began at age 10 through my passion for volleyball. At 12, inspired by witnessing her father’s full recovery from a severe orthopedic injury, she knew she wanted to become a physical therapist. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation from Yeditepe University in Istanbul, Turkiye, and participated in a six-month Erasmus exchange program at Han University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands, where she studied Health Professionals in International Perspectives. Continuing her education in the U.S., she completed a Master’s in Kinesiology and Exercise Science at California State University, Los Angeles. During my master’s program, she served as a teaching assistant for courses such as Introduction to Yoga, Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology, and Anatomy. She presented my study on baseball players at SWASCM 2023 and CPTA Long Beach 2023, and she graduated with the Outstanding Graduate Student Award from CSULA.

Her professional journey began during my undergraduate studies when she earned certifications in reformer and mat Pilates, as well as yoga. She worked in a private clinic specializing in chronic pain, orthopedics, and sports rehabilitation, integrating Pilates, yoga, breath work, and physical therapy techniques for clients across all age groups. During my internships, she gained diverse experience in outpatient clinics, outpatient hospitals, and at Fenerbahçe Sports Club, where she worked with youth athletes in volleyball, basketball, soccer, boxing, gymnastics, and more. After relocating to the U.S., she continued teaching Pilates and therapeutic exercises privately. Currently, Ceren works as a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant at Spear while preparing for my Physical Therapist licensure.

Outside of work, Ceren enjoys connecting with her big family and friends in Turkiye, exploring new restaurants, and cooking. She is very into learning new cultures. As a coffee enthusiast, she loves visiting unique cafés to read and relax. Fitness is also a significant part of her life which helps me to clear my mind; she enjoys group HIIT, Pilates, and yoga classes. Having recently moved from Los Angeles to New York, she is excited to explore this vibrant city. As a former member of Venice Run Club, she looks forward to joining a new running community in New York soon!