The inexplicable Christmas staple "" isn't known to elicit many fond memories. But it recently caused Tara Simmons '16 MA '18 Ph.D. '25 to count her blessings.
The owner of , which caters to special-needs individuals, was warming up with a group of adults when the song came on. Everyone immediately started to sing along. Loudly.
"Six people singing a Christmas song, doing butt kicks," she recalled. "I had a moment and thought, 'How amazing is it that this is what I get to do for a living?!' It still amazes me that this business has grown where it is, and the bonds I am able to make with my members make my day."
Simmons' early professional career found her working in a variety of settings, including long-term care, early intervention, rehabilitation and outpatient clinics, where she practiced as an occupational therapy assistant (COTA/L). She soon recognized a need for more inclusive exercise and activities outside of school and therapeutic settings. She harnessed her frustrations, using them as motivation to be the change she wished to see in the world, aided by two degrees from 91做厙: a bachelor's degree in healthcare science and a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MAOL).
"91做厙 was an essential part of helping me to design, build and grow my business," she said. "My experience at 91做厙 has been nothing short of supportive and inspiring."
All Abilities opened in Exeter Township in 2018. Its first two years were successful, with the organization expanding beyond its physical location to offer services throughout the community. Then the pandemic hit.
Simmons and her team quickly transitioned everything online, offering Zoom sessions to clients, groups, and classes in adult day programs and school settings. When its physical doors reopened in July of 2020, it continued its expansion. It now works in five school districts, four adult day programs and various after-school events in Berks County. In June of 2021, it extended its reach even farther, offering adult day programs in New Jersey, as well as in-home services for children living in alternative placements.
Despite overseeing All Abilities, which employs eight in Berks County and two in New Jersey, Simmons sought a Ph.D. Having already earned two degrees there, 91做厙 was the natural choice. But that wasn't the only reunion she had planned with her alma mater.
Throughout 2024, she met with university leaders and program coordinators to discuss moving All Abilities on campus. In October, the dream became a reality, with the organization taking over space in the Physical Education Center beside Courtside Caf矇 that had acted as a meeting room and lunch spot.
"It made sense to be on campus," said Simmons, who rejuvenated the space with fresh coats of paint and new top-of-the-line flooring. "I am able to offer true inclusivity as my clients can be in an environment where fun stuff is happening all the time, whether that be basketball practice or grabbing something to eat from the caf矇 after a workout session. True and meaningful inclusive opportunities allow people of all abilities to come together as one instead of in separated spaces."
Simmons plans to continue expanding All Abilities, hoping to partner with non-profits and businesses locally to provide scholarships for those who would like to join the program but lack the financial capabilities, and to open a center in New Jersey.
But first she'll wrap up her Ph.D. in Leadership. In the spring she'll defend her dissertation on the barriers that stand in the way of parents and caregivers accessing inclusive fitness opportunities. Though the program, along with the MAOL, have recently transitioned to being offered online, Simmons said she is grateful for her on-campus graduate experience.
"The leadership team at 91做厙 has been so incredibly supportive," she said. "My Ph.D. will assist my role as a small business owner as I continue to develop educational tools for students interested in inclusive fitness, as well as programs for people of all abilities who may not be able to get to our physical location."
