Simmons University Health Sciences Graduate Programs Ambassador Testimonials

Graduate Student Ambassadors

At Simmons University, we believe that the student experience goes beyond the classroom. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce you to our esteemed Graduate Health Science Student Ambassadors.

As you explore the possibilities that await you at Simmons, our dedicated ambassadors stand ready to offer you an authentic glimpse into life on campus. From sharing their personal stories to guiding you through the plethora of opportunities available, our ambassadors are passionate about helping you envision your future as part of our thriving community.

Get ready to discover more than just an education–join us and let our Student Ambassadors be your trusted guides as you take your first steps toward an exceptional academic adventure. Please read through the testimonials in this booklet to get a better sense of what a Simmons education can offer you.

Health Sciences Programs and Degrees

Behavior Analysis

• Master of Science in Behavior Analysis (MS)

• Educational Specialist (EdS)

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Health Professions

Education (HPED)

• Micro-Credential (Certificate)

Nursing

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) for BSN Holders

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Direct Entry

• Master of Science in Nursing–

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN–PMHNP)

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Nutrition and Dietetics

• Master of Science (MS) in Nutrition and Health Promotion

• Sports Nutrition Certificate (CSN)

• Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Certificate

• Dietetic Internship Program (DIP)

Physical Therapy

• Physical Therapy (DPT)

Nursing Ambassadors

Jarell Samuel ’25MSN

Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

My name is Jarell Samuel and I am a graduate student ambassador enrolled in the Class of 2025 Direct Entry Nursing program here at Simmons University. Some of my favorite activities include hiking, cycling, and playing guitar! I’ve always wanted a healthcare-related career, and my previous undergraduate degree allowed me to pursue my dreams to some extent. However, after four years of working in a hospital setting without patient contact, I realized how much I desire a career involved in direct patient care. The Simmons Direct Entry Nursing program proved to be the perfect segue to this career change, combining my undergraduate studies with prerequisites that allowed me to move seamlessly into nursing school.

simmons.edu/go/ nursing

Learn more about nursing programs at Simmons.

Claire Clendenen ’24MSN

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)—Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Why did you choose to come to Simmons?

I chose Simmons because of its connections to Boston area hospitals and great reputation. I have friends who were enrolled in the Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing program at Simmons. They were in cohorts ahead of me and they spoke highly of the clinical experience there. Although there are many great schools to choose from in the area, I was excited to have immersive and challenging clinical experiences to help me become a great healthcare provider. I knew I would graduate with a degree from a reputable program with clinical experience at the nearby hospitals.

What were the benefits of your program?

The benefits of the Direct Entry MSN program certainly are the incredible clinical placements I experienced and the engaging professors. Although my program started online due to the pandemic, we were still able to get our clinical experience at all the major Boston hospitals. Our professors are all practicing nurses or nurse practitioners, so it was great to be learning from educators who are engaged in the profession. I feel challenged academically while still feeling supported by my peers and professors.

How did Simmons prepare you to be a leader in the field?

Simmons continues to prepare me to become a leader in my field because of our diverse coursework and clinical experiences. I have found in my nursing position that I feel extremely well prepared for my new role. Simmons not only focuses on the traditional nursing content but also incorporates important content surrounding the healthcare system as whole. I think it is incredibly important to learn about the system we will soon be operating in so we can provide competent and informed care. As I begin the master’s portion of my program, I am excited to see what else I may learn.

Simmons continues to prepare me to become a leader in my field because of our diverse coursework and clinical experiences. I have found in my nursing position I feel extremely well prepared for my new role.”

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Dante Davis

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)—Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Why did you choose to come to Simmons?

I chose to come to Simmons primarily due to the reputation of the Master of Science in Nursing and Family Nurse Practitioner program. Simmons graduates have a reputation for being some of the best providers and clinicians in their respective specialties. Furthermore, I have a passion for working with pediatric patients and Simmons has a strong relationship with Boston Children’s Hospital.

What were the benefits of your program?

There are so many benefits of this program! It is specifically designed for people who have pursued other career paths outside of healthcare and who are looking to make a transition to a career in nursing. The program has a reputation for providing students with clinical rotations in Boston’s top hospitals. Not all programs can offer an experience as rewarding as Simmons. The program allows me to continue my education beyond a bachelor’s degree and earn a master’s degree in nursing and be eligible to become board-certified family nurse practitioner in just over three years.

How did Simmons prepare you to be a leader in the field?

Simmons is preparing me to enter my field by assigning me clinical rotations that expose me to very difficult populations to care for. Some of the environments have limited resources and vulnerable populations. The clinical setting, especially during the education process, is significant in personal development and effectiveness as a clinician post-graduation.

The program has a reputation for providing students with clinical rotations in Boston’s top hospitals. Not all programs can offer an experience as rewarding as Simmons.”

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Rachel Ward

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)—Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Why did you choose to come to Simmons?

I am from the Boston area, so I had known of Simmons and their great reputation in the nursing and nurse practitioner world. I wanted a smaller school with a physical location where I could really meet my learning needs in my transition from registered nurse to family nurse practitioner.

What were the benefits of your program?

Although immersion weekend was in person, having the flexibility of online classes was great, especially through the pandemic. It was easy to schedule class time around my ever-changing work schedule.

How did Simmons prepare you to be a leader in the field?

Through didactic courses, immersion weekend, and clinical courses, I was able to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be a novice family nurse practitioner.

What do you do for work?

I work as a FNP-BC in an obstetriciangynecologist office, as well as the program director for Sarah Michelle NP Reviews, which is a board review company that was also integral in my education.

Give us a fun fact!

I have two red labs, Yeti and Grizzly, whom, yes, we named after cooler brands. They are the sweetest boys!

Through the didactic courses, immersion weekend, and clinical courses, I was able to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be a novice FNP.”

Nutrition Ambassadors

Alex Fowler ’25MS/DPD Master of Science in Nutrition and Health Promotion and Didactic Program in Dietetics

I decided to join the Simmons community for my master’s degree in nutrition! I’ve grown up going into Boston my entire life, and I was fortunate enough to live 20 minutes away for most of my childhood. I went to my undergraduate university in a different state, but I always knew I’d end up back in Massachusetts. I knew that I wanted to give back to the community that helped raise me and be a part of a great healthcare network. I am absolutely in love with this city and I couldn’t bear to leave it!

simmons.edu/go/ nutrition

Learn more about nutrition programs at Simmons.

Adi Adichie ’23DPD/DIP

Didactic Program in Dietetics and Dietetic Internship Program

Why did you choose to come to Simmons?

I was interested in the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) program and was very interested in learning in an accepting, female-focused environment. As a woman of color, I feel it is important to be comfortable and feel supported where I am trying to become the person that I want to be. Simmons had a tight-knit community in which I feel supported as a student, and as a woman of color.

What were the benefits of your program?

The ease of access to faculty for support as a student and future nutrition professional, a multicultural atmosphere which is inclusive (something important in my mission to fight health disparities between people of color and their white counterparts), and the ability to be advocated for as a student working at different sites for field experiences. Simmons does an amazing job at trying to partner students where they would like for the dietetic internship, which was a major part of them being my number one choice for the DPD and for the dietetic internship.

How did Simmons prepare you to be a leader in the field?

Simmons is preparing me to become a leader in the field by allowing me to work with one of my current jobs to complete some of the requirements for one of my internship rotations (food service). They have been dedicated to making sure I can get experience somewhere that I’m familiar, comfortable, and have my foot in the door for a future job opportunity.

Simmons does an amazing job at trying to partner students where they would like for the dietetic internship, which was a major part of them being my number one choice for the DPD and for the dietetic internship.”

Alexa Cosgrove ’23MS,

CSN/DIP

Master of Science in Nutrition and Health Promotion and Certificate in Sports Nutrition and Dietetic Internship Program

Why did you choose to come to Simmons?

I came across Simmons’ dietetic internship program in the fall of 2019 at the Food and Nutrition Conference and Exposition, and it had been on my radar ever since. Simmons’ dietetic internship program offers the opportunity to complete a master’s and internship rotations simultaneously within a two-year period, which is what I was looking for. After attending information sessions and talking with the director of the program, I knew Simmons was my number one choice. I had a gut feeling that Simmons would lead and prepare me for all future opportunities.

What were the benefits of your program?

The program is one of the most unique programs I came across when looking for dietetic internships. Within the master’s program, Simmons offers an entrepreneurship track and a research track. Within the research track, we are required to complete a mini thesis project. This project was difficult, but it was a huge learning lesson that taught me so many things I can bring into my future endeavors.

How did Simmons prepare you to be a leader in the field?

In the internship half of the program, there are two tracks that are offered: community nutrition, health promotion, and wellness, and treatment of eating disorders. I have decided to concentrate on community nutrition, health promotion, and wellness for my internship rotations. Despite this decision, I was still able to take an elective class, treatment of eating disorders, which is a very prevalent topic that does not get enough attention in the medical field. There is an opportunity to achieve a Certificate in Sports Nutrition that I’m interested in as well. As someone who grew up dancing and was on a college dance team, I understand how important nutrition is to performance and competing.

After attending some informational sessions and talking with the director of the program, I had a gut feeling that Simmons would lead and prepare me for all future opportunities and endeavors.”

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Suzanne Reasenburg ’23MS, DPD/DIP Master of Science in Nutrition and Health Promotion, Didactic Program in Dietetics, and Dietetic Internship Program

Why did you choose to come to Simmons?

First, Simmons offers an excellent and highly respected program for the study of nutrition. The program is academically rigorous and students are well-prepared for their next step; either a dietetic internship for those who wish to become registered dietitians or a professional job for those who are seeking other types of employment in the nutrition field. Second, Simmons is located close to the Longwood Medical Area and is within walking distance of world-class hospitals. Easy access to these hospitals is great for full-time jobs, volunteer work, or internships to get experience in the field while a student. Third, Simmons is highly supportive of older women returning to school. I was a career changer and had already worked for 20+ years in another field before I decided to go back to school to become a registered dietitian. Although many of the students in my classes were 18 to mid-20s, there were also students in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, so I never felt out of place due to my age. Fourth, Simmons is a highly diverse community of faculty, staff, and students, and the University actively works to create a culture of openness, welcoming, and respect for all.

What were the benefits of your program?

My years at Simmons have been an excellent learning experience for me. The professors are amazing! They really care about the students and are committed to creating a positive learning experience. They are top-notch academics, but they are also very accessible and easy to talk to. They have always made themselves available to answer questions and have been very supportive of my learning journey. When I had a medical emergency, my professors were compassionate, understanding, accommodating, and flexible. They also gave great advice on how I could organize my schoolwork so that I could still complete my courses by the end of the semester.

Simmons teaches students to be critical thinkers, to work collaboratively, to listen deeply to others, to speak publicly, to express our knowledge and opinions, and to have our voices be heard.”

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Physical Therapy Ambassadors

Lisa Cooperman ’26DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy

I was originally drawn to Simmons for its small class sizes and state of the art facilities, but after touring the campus and sitting in on a class I knew that Simmons was for me. After coming from a small undergraduate college, I wanted to be taught by professors that truly care about the success of their students. The Simmons faculty go beyond just teaching the curriculum and absolutely love what they do and are motivated by watching their students thrive in the program. I could not have asked for a better first semester here at Simmons and I cannot wait for the next three years!

simmons.edu/go/ physical-therapy

Learn more about physical therapy programs at Simmons.

Isabella Carlos ’24DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Why did you choose to come to Simmons?

I went to a large undergraduate state school and for graduate school was looking for a complete change of pace. After speaking with different professors in the program and everyone in admissions, I realized that Simmons is extremely unique in its individualized programs and investment into their students. Simmons treats their students, and even their applicants, as so much more than a number on a list. I felt like I had a community here before I even decided to attend, and that is what ultimately drew me to choose Simmons.

What were the benefits of your program?

Simmons has an all-encompassing approach to how you learn and delve into the mechanics of movement and clinical application. They teach you how to not only think like a physical therapist, but how to adapt and curate your treatment to best suit the needs of your patients. This program really helps you develop your own clinical opinion, and ultimately helps you develop your own practice so that you can best treat the populations you come to serve.

How did Simmons prepare you to be a leader in the field?

The program pushes you out of your comfort zone. Within our plethora of practicals and clinical setting work, we are placed in situations where we become responsible for the examination and treatment of the patient in front of us. As jarring as these situations may feel at first, they definitely allow us to gain such valuable hands-on experience in a setting where it is okay to make mistakes. Something that this program continues to teach me time and time again is that it’s okay to not have all the answers, and it’s okay to make mistakes. What’s most important is that we develop the ability to search for and find those answers ourselves, and continue to learn from our mistakes, as we continue to grow.

What is most important is that we develop the ability to search for and find those answers ourselves, and continue to learn from our mistakes, as we continue to grow.”

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William Faria ’23DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy

Why did you choose to come to Simmons?

One of the first reasons that I gravitated towards Simmons was the fact it was in Boston and the proximity to world-class healthcare organizations. Being able to get clinical experience in these hospitals and clinics as well as having faculty who work in these sites was a huge selling point.

What were the benefits of your program?

In addition to our three 12-week clinical placements, each semester we are placed in a clinic or hospital once a week for a month block. This allows students to have experience in different settings so when out on actual clinicals, it is not completely new. While many programs have the clinical rotations at the end of the didactic learning, Simmons has one after our first full year. In it, we can apply what we have learned up to that point. Treating actual patients adds to our confidence once we return and begin learning more complex material. I believe Simmons has and still is preparing me to succeed once I complete this program.

How did Simmons prepare you to be a leader in the field?

A unique aspect of the program is something called tutorial. In this class, a small group of students are paired with a faculty member and over the course of the semester, we break down sample patients and diagnoses. This helps facilitate independent learning, researching, discussions, and clinical decision making in a low stress situation. This program has a very collaborative “environment” as opposed to other schools. There is no aspect of competition between students. It is clear that the professors want students to succeed and are more than happy to help with your learning.

Treating actual patients adds to our confidence once we return and begin learning more complex material. I believe Simmons has and still is preparing me to succeed once I complete this program.”

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Eleanor Powell ’22DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Why did you choose to come to Simmons?

Initially, I did not know I would want to go to a school like Simmons. Going into the college decision process I was certain I did not want to be in a city, at a women-centered university, or somewhere cold. While I got into many schools, the only school I had not visited was Simmons. All it took was one 24-hour visit where I stayed on campus to know that Simmons was where I needed to be. It had such a great community and familial feel while in an exciting new area for me to explore! I ended up thriving and loving the women-centered community at Simmons during undergrad.

What were the benefits of your program?

The physical therapy program at Simmons is very unique as it is a very small, close-knit environment. Everyone in the program gets to know each other on a personal and professional level. Throughout my time in the program, I always felt supported by my professors and knew I could go to them with absolutely anything. I still keep in touch with many of them and I times I feel like they know me better than I even know myself! I never felt alone throughout my physical therapy education and that was the biggest benefit of all. Simmons also is one of the few schools that still do cadaver lab in person. While this was the most difficult class I have ever taken, it was definitely worth it and I learned more in those six weeks than in any other class. It really builds a foundation for success in your career.

How did Simmons prepare you to be a leader in the field?

As an undergraduate, I eased into leadership opportunities by being on the board of the Exercise Science Liaison which led to my involvement with student government. As a graduate, I was able to build my career-based leadership skills through my clinical rotations, including at the Boston College Campus School and Boston Children’s Hospital.

Throughout my time in the program, I always felt supported by my professors and knew I could go to them with absolutely anything. I never felt alone throughout my physical therapy education and that was the biggest benefit of all.”

Cassandra Vietas ’21DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Why did you choose to come to Simmons?

I went to Simmons for both my undergraduate degree in Exercise Science and my Doctorate of Physical Therapy. I chose to come to Simmons because I loved the culture of positivity and growth. I had the added benefits of joining the Swimming and Diving Team and being accepted in to the accelerated DPT program. This allowed me to pursue my career and hold onto one of my passions throughout college.

What were the benefits of your program?

The 3+3 DPT program allowed for continuity between the undergraduate and graduate curriculum. As an accelerated student I felt I was prepared to be an active participant in the DPT program. The DPT program is geared towards problem solving and critical thinking. There was little focus solely on memorization. I found that their program allowed me to face the ‘real world’ as a new grad with tenacity and grace.

How did Simmons prepare you to be a leader in the field?

Simmons allowed for the growth of student leaders by allowing room for creativity and growth. I created the Simmons University Physical Therapy Association along with my fellow classmates. We were able to do this because we had so much faculty support. Through this process I learned how to advocate and delegate. This has much prepared me to undertake new projects at my job as a new grad.

What do you do for work?

I am currently working at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center as the Women’s Health Physical Therapy resident. I will be a resident until October of 2022. Then, I hope to stay with OSU.

Give us a fun fact!

I am engaged to my PT school sweetheart! I really found everything at Simmons!

The DPT program is geared towards problem solving and critical thinking. There was little focus solely on memorization. I found that their program allowed me to face the ‘real world’ as a new grad with tenacity and grace.”

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300 The Fenway Boston, MA 02115-5898

Phone: 617-521-2605

Email: snhs@simmons.edu

simmons.edu/graduate

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Dominique

Sherburne ’25MSN

Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

As a nursing student at Simmons University, I am continually inspired by the top-notch faculty, innovative curriculum, and hands-on learning opportunities that are shaping me into a skilled and compassionate healthcare professional.

The supportive community and emphasis on real-world experience make Simmons University’s nursing prorgam an outstanding place to cultivate my passion for nursing and prepare for a fulfilling career.