This week’s addition of “Meet the Board” features your Outgoing President – Jennifer Simmons
Jennifer Simmons
Immediate Past President
Tell us what led you to run for the position on the NCCRA Board of Directors
I had been working in Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation for about 4 years before becoming involved in NCCRA. I decided to become more involved with the organization by being the chair of the exercise discipline. I wanted to network and have the opportunity to meet more people involved in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs. After 4 years as chair, I wanted the opportunity to develop more leadership skills and learn the behind the scenes of the NCCRA; there is so much that the Board of Directors do that most members are not aware of, that is when I decided to run for Vice President of the Mountain Region and become involved on the Board of Directors.
Please provide a bio highlighting special training, skills or hobbies that you bring to your profession and the board of directors. Please focus on the professional qualifications and strengths.
I worked in Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation at Iredell Health System and Atrium Health for a combined time of 17 years. I have a Master of Science degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology from UNC Charlotte and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science from Appalachian State University. I am a Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine. I most currently have completed a Master’s of Education from Appalachian State University and currently teach health occupation courses at Statesville High School. I am very task-orientated, organized, and feel accomplished when tasks are completed. I also feel there is much value in education and those with special skills should teach and share their knowledge of those skills for our future.
Describe the direction that you would like NCCRA to take in the future and what part you would like to take in that journey.
I would like to see the NCCRA become the central hub for cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs. I know most programs look to AACVPR for guidance, but the NCCRA should serve as our state’s branch of the AACVPR.
What are your interests outside of work?
I like being physical active whether it is exercising by running or lifting weights or being more adventurous such as mountain biking and paddle boarding.