After nearly three decades in corporate leadership, Theresa Stephens-Tillmon ’27 returned to school, enrolling in Simmons’ Online Degree Completion program to pursue a psychology degree and a new purpose: helping others get unstuck through life coaching. With the support of her instructors and the staff at Simmons, she’s embarking on these meaningful second acts and finding growth.
After a successful career spanning nearly 30 years at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Theresa Stephens-Tillmon ’27 is preparing for her next chapter by finishing her bachelor’s degree online with Simmons.
Currently serving as the director of program performance measurement and reporting in audit and risk management, Stephens-Tillmon realized that the most fulfilling and exciting parts of her career have always centered around coaching and mentoring.
This realization sparked a new passion: to become a life coach dedicated to helping “everyday people who just need help getting unstuck,” she says.
“I am at the tail end of my career,” says Stephens-Tillmon. “I was thinking a lot about what I would like to do, what would make me happy.” She kept coming back to helping others.
Rather than settling for a brief online certification, Stephens-Tillmon wanted a comprehensive understanding of the human mind before embarking on this new path.
She wanted to understand the biological impacts of substance use and recognize when a client might need a referral for more intensive professional therapy.
Drawn by its strong reputation and a corporate connection through her employer, Stephen-Tillmon enrolled in the Online Degree Completion program in applied psychology at Simmons, with an anticipated graduation date of 2027.
Balancing Work, Life, and Online Learning
As a self-described extrovert who loves classroom discussion, Stephens-Tillmon initially had concerns about online learning. She credits the Simmons professors for keeping the virtual classes engaging.
She was pleasantly surprised by her ability to learn online. Still, keeping up with coursework while balancing a demanding full-time job, caring for aging parents, and maintaining a community presence required intense dedication.
Stephens-Tillmon has mastered her time management by carving out specific study hours, waking up early, and occasionally limiting her social outings to just one event per week. Her commitment is so strong that she even maintained her studies while spending a month traveling in London.
“I am motivated in a way that I wasn't when I was 18,” she says.
The Power of ‘Candor With Care’
A cornerstone of Stephens-Tillmon’s Simmons experience has been the exceptional support and guidance from her faculty and advisors, who practice what she describes as “candor with care.”
“Professor Gregory Feldman is obviously very knowledgeable,” says Stephens-Tillmon of the psychology professor who teaches courses in the online program. “The way he outlines his curriculum is wonderful.” She describes Feldman as “so nice and personable” while also one to “set firm boundaries” — a masterclass for her in how to create relationships with her future life-coaching clients.
“Dr. Feldman [was] so open and willing to help. Everyone has been,” she says.
Stephens-Tillmons also praises psychology instructor Elaine Augustine for her support.
“She has a lovely way of presenting information,” she says. “Her classes are tough, but she's so helpful. She and Dr. Feldman are just so open and willing to help. Everyone has been.”
In addition, her advisor, Associate Director of Online Programs Christine Henningson provides thoughtful and firm guidance.
“My advisor has been just wonderful,” says Stephens-Tillmon. “She keeps me in line. She makes great suggestions as to what I should be doing next. And she’s just really candid with me.”
Studies That Shape Perspective
Stephens-Tillmon’s bachelor’s degree is part of a long-term plan. Yet her coursework is already making a tangible impact on her life and career. She references the course, SOCI 249CD “Inequalities,” that has deeply informed her perspective. “It really reinforced for me why that work [inclusion and belonging] continues to be important.”
Furthermore, course readings have helped on her natural emotional intelligence and empathy for those struggling with biological dependencies and psychological disorders, populations she hopes to support in her future work.
Advice for Adults Returning to School
For other working professionals considering a return to school, Stephens-Tillmon has a clear message: “Don’t let fear [of the unknown] keep you from doing things,” she says “I speak from personal experience and how that can hold you back from so many opportunities.”
“What do you have to fear? There’s nothing lost from taking the leap. Maybe a little loss of sleep,” she jokes. “But anything worth having is worth doing.”