From childhood memories of hospital dinners to crossing the commencement stage as a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Mallory Simmons’ journey reflects a life shaped by service, empathy, and a deep commitment to helping others heal.
Mallory, ’25, who earned a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation science from Concordia University Ann Arbor before completing her doctorate in physical therapy, grew up immersed in health care. Her mother, Anita Simmons, has been a nurse for Mallory’s entire life and later joined the CUAA nursing faculty, serving as interprofessional education coordinator, simulation program designer and clinical instructor. This has given Mallory a unique and personal perspective on what compassionate, Christ-centered care looks like in practice.
One of her earliest memories still stands out.
“I remember going to visit my mom at the hospital when she worked nights,” Mallory said. “We’d bring dinner and eat with her, and then she’d explain that people need help all day and all night. As a kid, I didn’t understand that she slept during the day — I just thought my mom was a superhero who gave up sleep to help people.”
That image stayed with her.
A Path Shaped by Service
Mallory always knew she wanted to work in health care, but the exact path took time to clarify. A lifelong athlete, she loved movement, sports and being active. As she explored different medical careers, it wasn’t until she shadowed physical therapists that everything clicked.
“There was an art to rehab that really stood out to me,” she said. “It wasn’t just fixing something and moving on — it was walking with people through recovery.”
That decision felt right immediately — something her mom noticed, too.
“I feel Mallory has chosen the perfect career fit for herself,” Anita said. “Her intelligence, drive, and easy-going personality will serve her future patients well. I am so glad she will be using her God-given talents to serve others in the healthcare field.”
While Mallory and her mother share a calling to health care, Mallory sees their roles as complementary.
“My mom helps people through medical emergencies,” she explained. “But I was drawn to what happens next — helping someone regain independence, movement, and a sense of normalcy after life-changing events like a stroke.”
Together, their work represents the full spectrum of care — from crisis to recovery.
That long-term view is something Anita sees as one of Mallory’s strengths.
“Mallory thrives on a challenge,” she said. “This helped her in completing CUAA’s accelerated program, and it will benefit her future patients. Even her most complex patients will receive the best treatment plan and care from her, no doubt.”
High Expectations
Mallory credits Concordia’s faith-based environment with shaping not only her clinical skills, but also her heart for patient care.
“The heart behind Concordia mirrors the heart you need in health care,” she said. “It’s not just about knowledge or credentials — it’s compassion, empathy, and truly seeing the person in front of you. I saw that modeled by my mom growing up, and I saw it lived out by Concordia’s faculty.”
Those values were reinforced long before college.
“She was brought up in a household where we love God and one another and use our gifts to serve Him and others,” Anita said. “My prayer is that this continues to shape her in all her future endeavors.”
Her undergraduate years — completed in just over three years during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic — were demanding. The doctoral program raised expectations even higher.
“The expectations were high from the beginning, and I appreciated that,” she said. “Faculty made it clear that the goal wasn’t to be an average clinician, but to be something better — to be a Concordia clinician.”
Looking Ahead With Gratitude
After completing her final clinical rotation in California, Mallory plans to return to Michigan to begin her career, with a particular interest in outpatient orthopedics. Long term, she hopes to give back to the profession by becoming a clinical instructor, mentoring future physical therapy students just as others once mentored her.
Reflecting on graduation, Mallory describes it as “the closing of one chapter and the opening of the next.” Celebrating alongside her parents, grandparents, siblings, significant other, friends — both old and new — and her entire doctoral cohort made the milestone even more meaningful. Throughout her journey, her mom has been the constant.
“There were days during the doctorate when there were tears,” she said. “Instead of driving home and calling her, it was just a walk down the hallway. She helped me process, refocus and keep moving forward.”
At a Glance
- Who has made the biggest impact on your college journey? “My mom. During undergrad and the doctorate, especially in the hard moments, she was there physically, emotionally and spiritually to help me move forward.”
- What does graduation mean to you in one word or phrase? “The closing of one chapter and the opening of the next.”
- If your life had a theme song right now, what would it be? “Vienna” (Billy Joel)
- What’s your go-to comfort food when you need a pick-me-up? “Fried buffalo cauliflower — and an iced cold brew.”
- If you could teleport anywhere for a weekend getaway, where would you go? Athens, Greece.
- What’s something small that never fails to make you laugh or smile? “My cats, Scarf and Donna.”
Editor’s note
This is one in a series of stories highlighting a few of Concordia’s uncommon graduates. Faculty and staff submit candidates for consideration. Stories are posted in the days leading up to or after commencement. View more uncommon graduates here.
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