I closed my eyes and designed a new version of myself: tenacious, confident, and kind. Today I am her. Everything starts in the mind. Never. Forget. That.
Imani Simmons, PTA, CDP · In Her Own Words
In Conversation
Imani Simmons for Bold. Brilliant. Unstoppable.
Read the transcript
Imani Simmons, PTA, CDP: Speaker: Imani Simmons, Community Ambassador - Silverado Barton SpringsWhat does being an Influential Woman mean to you?Imani Simmons: Woman means that I have to be really mindful of what I do in the world and what I say. So, essentially, since I know my personal mission is to improve the care and compassion for those living with dementia and their families, I have to be really thoughtful about how I word that and I have to be mindful that some folks aren't necessarily ready to talk about the diagnosis. So, for me, being an influential woman means that I can impact more families in a positive way, and that's what really matters.What's one piece advice would you give to younger women chasing their dreams?Imani Simmons: The best advice I could give a younger woman chasing her dreams is always bet on you. You are your biggest asset and don't let people waste your time. Remember that for every no you say, there's a space for a yes that actually matters. You don't need to please anybody but yourself, and the only standards you need to live by are the standards that you set for yourself.
Her Story
About Imani
Imani Simmons, PTA, CDP, is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant with 11 years of clinical experience and a specialized focus in dementia care since 2016. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to helping individuals regain and maintain independence while supporting families through complex and emotional healthcare journeys. Her work is grounded in a deep respect for person-centered care and a commitment to improving outcomes for those living with cognitive and physical challenges.
About a year ago, Imani joined Silverado Barton Springs as a Community Ambassador. Although she was already employed in a stable role with strong compensation, she chose Silverado because of what she witnessed during her first visit care that reflected everything she had been teaching and advocating for over the past several years. Having previously only observed memory care that was adequate or inconsistent, she immediately recognized Silverado’s approach as different, describing it as feeling like “love in action.” A warm welcome from a therapy dog during her visit further affirmed her connection to the community, reinforcing her belief in the environment and culture she now represents.
Today, Imani is deeply committed to expanding awareness around compassionate dementia care and ensuring families know that exceptional support truly exists. She is passionate about helping loved ones find peace of mind, especially during some of life’s most difficult transitions. Working at Silverado, which she considers a leading standard in memory care, has profoundly shaped her personal and professional mission. She consistently prioritizes representing the organization’s values over self-promotion, driven by the impact it has had on her life and her unwavering dedication to improving the experience of those living with dementia and their families.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Imani
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is don't settle. Even if you're comfortable, don't settle. Choose something that feeds your soul. Do something that feeds your soul. This advice has guided me throughout my career, and it's exactly what led me to choose Silverado even when I had a perfectly good job that could pay me better. I chose what felt right, what felt like love, because it fed my soul.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my field is to always choose yourself. Choose your safety. Choose your mental health. Choose what's best for you, because only you know the correct answer for yourself. Only you truly know what's right for you. Don't let anyone else make those decisions - trust yourself and prioritize your wellbeing above all else.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in healthcare right now is that in many parts, it's oversaturated. There's a big push for numbers in healthcare, and sometimes it feels like we've gotten away from the patient's need and we are more in a business model. There can be a disconnect between understanding that that number is a human being. It's hard when the focus shifts to metrics and business rather than remembering that each number represents a real person with real needs. That disconnect is a significant challenge we face in the field.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are transparency, honesty, and accountability. Love is a big one - it's central to everything I do. And faith in yourself and whatever you're doing is crucial. These values guide how I approach my work with dementia patients and their families, and they shape how I live my life every day. Love especially drives my mission to bring more compassion to dementia care.
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