Vernisa Joyce Kilgore, PMHNP

Vernisa Kilgore, PMHNP-BC, is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with the Behavioral Health Center.

Vernisa earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Mississippi University for Women. She completed her master’s degree in nursing and nurse practitioner training with the University of South Alabama in 2024.

Vernisa joined North Mississippi Health Services in 2016 as a registered nurse at Behavioral Health Center and became a nursing supervisor in 2018. She served in that capacity until 2025, when she transitioned into the nurse practitioner role. 

“I chose a career in health care because caring for others has always been natural for me. It allows me to combine compassion with clinical skill to make a direct and meaningful impact,” she says. “Mental health has a profound influence on every part of a person's life, and I want to be part of improving access, breaking stigma and supporting people through their most vulnerable moments.”
Vernisa added that she is grateful to practice in an environment where “mental health is treated as an essential part of overall health and healing.”

Outside of work, Vernisa enjoys traveling, exploring new hobbies and spending time with family and friends.