Dr. Leigh Ann Simmons is a national and international women’s health scholar, trained therapist, and master health coach who blends scientific expertise with hands-on coaching to drive meaningful health behavior change. As a tenured Professor of Nursing at the UC Davis Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, her research aims to advance health equity and reduce chronic disease risk among women and communities that have been historically and presently marginalized. Dr. Simmons has published more than 100 peer-reviewed articles, abstracts, and book chapters and has secured over $16 million in research funding from the National Institutes of Health, the Veterans Health Administration, and the California Department of Health and Human Services, among others.

Whether using in-person or digital methods, Dr. Simmons has designed and tested interventions that improve outcomes such as mood, weight management, and personalization of care. She has trained more than 300 health coaches for the Veterans Health Administration, provided executive coaching for health system leaders, and partnered with community organizations, including federally qualified health centers to improve risk screening. These collaborations ensure that her work doesn’t just stay in academic journals, but it translates into strategies that real people can use to feel better and live healthier lives.

Dr. Simmons earned her PhD in Child and Family Development from the University of Georgia, a Master’s degree in couple and family therapy from MCP-Hahnemann University (now Drexel University), and a BA in Literature/Writing from the University of California, San Diego. She also holds a certificate in Integrative Health Coaching from the Duke Integrative Medicine Center and was one of the original co-designers of the Veterans Health Administration’s Whole Health Coaching Training and Whole Health Peer Facilitator (now Taking Charge of My Life and Health) programs.

Residing in Roseville, CA with her blended family of six humans and four cats, Dr. Simmons is a fitness enthusiast, live music lover, and avid world traveler.