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Biography

Dr. Simmons moved to North Carolina in July of 2019 from Indianapolis, Indiana to teach at WCU. She lives in Waynesville which is perfectly seated between Asheville and Cullowhee, allowing easy access to either campus. She enjoys exploring all there is to discover in this beautiful area. In her free time, Dr. Simmons likes to hike, box, bike ride, and read.<br><br>After earning her Physical Therapy degree, Dr. Simmons practiced primarily in acute inpatient rehabilitation, acute care, and outpatient rehabilitation with both pediatric and adult populations. She also worked with the zero to three pediatric population with the Indiana First Steps program from its inception in 1995 through 2009. Since 2009 Dr. Simmons has focused her clinical practice on the older adult population in the acute care setting.<br><br>Dr. Simmons joined the Department of Physical Therapy in the Fall of 2019 with the primary role of teaching Physical Therapy Science, Motor Behavior, and Neuromuscular Physical Therapy. She continues to practice acute care physical therapy at a regional trauma center in Asheville, NC.

Education

• DHSc, University of Indianapolis
• MS, University of Indianapolis
• BS, Ohio State University

Teaching Interests

Physical Therapy Science, Motor Behavior, Neuromuscular Physical Therapy and Physical Therapy Interventions

Research Interests

Dr. Simmons’s doctoral research addresses prevention and treatment of Hospital Associated Disability. The intention of this research is to facilitate the ability for older adults to safely return home from the hospital following an acute admission. In addition, Dr. Simmons hopes to pursue a line of research that addresses successful aging in place for the older adult population.