Career
Jennifer brings over 22 years of experience in healthcare, including 18 years specializing in psychiatric and mental health care. She is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and completed her advanced practice training at The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in May 2024. Jennifer is committed to providing evidence-based, trauma-informed, and patient-centered care. Her holistic approach emphasizes restoring emotional wellness, promoting long-term stability, and supporting individuals and families with compassion and clinical excellence.
Education/Professional Achievements
- MSN — Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- BSN — Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- ADN — Associate Degree in Nursing
- PN — Practical Nurse
- Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing
Professional Achievements
Jennifer was invited and inducted into the honor’s society, Sigma Theta Tau.
Therapist Qualifications
- Graduate Diploma in Physical Therapy
- Member NZ College of Physiotherapists
- Graduate Diploma in Manipulative Therapy
- Postgraduate Diploma in Rehabilitation
- Registered Physiotherapy Acupuncturist
Jennifer D. Smith, APRN, MSN, is the co-owner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner for The Optimum Wellness Liaison’s (OWL’s) Family Oasis Clinic LLC. She specializes in psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, medication management, and ongoing treatment for adults ages 18–65 with conditions such as schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders.
A married mother of four, Jennifer knew as early as the fifth grade that her calling would involve serving and helping others. Beyond her role as a healthcare provider, she remains actively engaged in her church and community through ministry and volunteer service.
Jennifer began her healthcare journey in 2003 as a Student Nurse Assistant at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson, Mississippi. She graduated in December 2003 from the Hinds Nursing Allied program as a Practical Nurse. She later completed Jones County Junior College’s first Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Registered Nurse (RN) bridge program, earning an Associate Degree in Nursing and becoming the first African American to graduate from that program at JCJC. In 2018, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the UMMC School of Nursing.
In 2020, Jennifer experienced the profound loss of her mother—an event that further shaped her perspective on the critical need for proficient, compassionate healthcare. Through her personal experiences and professional practice, she became acutely aware of gaps in mental health care delivery. While recognizing that she cannot serve every individual in need, Jennifer is deeply committed to ensuring that every patient under her care receives the highest level of compassion, excellence, and respect. This conviction led her to pursue advanced practice nursing.
She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program in May 2024 and was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. With over 20 years of nursing experience—including more than 17 years in psychiatric nursing—Jennifer’s passion for mental health advocacy and education continues to grow.
Jennifer strongly values interdisciplinary collaboration and patient education, believing that education fosters knowledge, knowledge cultivates wisdom, and wisdom leads to clinical competence. She remains dedicated to providing efficient, proficient, and compassionate care through a holistic approach that supports patients and their families or caregivers.
“I wish people could understand that the brain is the most important organ of our body. Just because you can’t see mental illness like you could see a broken bone, doesn’t mean it’s not as detrimental or devastating to a family or an individual.” Demi Lovato.