Providers
SMOC’s experienced, helpful, caring providers
Melissa M. Kovach, PA-C, M.S.
									Sara Kilgore AGPCNP-BC
									Nancy J. Barrett, FNP-C
									Keith Barnes, PA-C, M.S.
									Jessica Meisenhelder, FNP-C
									Paula Bjurman, MSN, AGNP-C
									Josh Jones, PA
							Melissa M. Kovach, PA-C, M.S.
					
EDUCATION
- Lock Haven University; Lock Haven, PA — 1996 – 1998
M.S. in Health Science, Physician Assistant Program - Lock Haven University; Lock Haven, PA — 1992 – 1996
B.S. in Health Science, Minor in Psychology 
CERTIFICATIONS
- National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
 - Basic Life Support
 
MEMBERSHIPS
- American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)
 - North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants
 - Triangle East Physician Extender Society — President 2001-2002
 
Sara Kilgore AGPCNP-BC
					
EDUCATION
- Duke University School of Nursing; Durham, NC 2021
Post -graduate certificate in Oncology Training - Duke University School of Nursing; Durham, NC 2021
Master of Science in Nursing - Jacksonville University; Jacksonville, FL 2017
Bachelor of Science in Nursing 
CERTIFICATIONS
- Board certified Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse
Practitioner - Registered Nurse (2014-Present)
 - Basic Life Support
 - American Nurses Credentialing Center Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse
 
MEMBERSHIPS
- Oncology Nursing Society
 - Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association
 
Nancy J. Barrett, FNP-C
					
EDUCATION
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (2004-2008)
 - Winston Salem State University (2010-2013) MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner Program
 
- Basic Life support, AANP Certified
 - Registered Nurse (September 2008- Present)
 
Keith Barnes, PA-C, M.S.
					
EDUCATION
- Methodist University; Fayetteville, NC — December 2016 Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies
 - East Carolina University; Greenville, NC — May 2014 Bachelors in Health Services Management
 - Johnston Community College; Smithfield, NC — August 1992 Associate in Applied Science in Radiologic Technology
 
- Radiologic Technologist Registered – present
 - National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants — December 2016
 - Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support — 2014-present
 - Basic Life Support — 2014-present
 
- North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants, member, 2017 – present
 - American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) — 2017-present
 
Jessica Meisenhelder, FNP-C
					
EDUCATION
- University of North Carolina Wilmington – December 2017
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner - East Carolina University – December 2013
Master of Public Health, Health Behavior Concentration - East Carolina University – December 2008
Bachelor of Science in Nursing 
CERTIFICATIONS
- Registered Nurse
 - Basic Life Support, American Heart Association
 
Paula Bjurman, MSN, AGNP-C
					
EDUCATION
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham; Birmingham, AL — 2020 – 2022 M.S. in Nursing (MSN), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Palliative Care Subspecialty
 - The University of Alabama; Tuscaloosa, AL — 2013 – 2017 B.S. in Nursing (BSN), Honor’s College
 
CERTIFICATIONS
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP-C), American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
 - Nurse Practitioner (NP), California Board of Nursing
 - Registered Nurse (RN), California Board of Nursing
 - Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Registration, U.S. Department of Justice
 - Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association
 - Advanced Life Support (ALS), American Heart Association
 
Josh Jones, PA
					EDUCATION
- Saint Francis University; Loretto, PA — 2024 Masters in Physician Assistant Science
 
CERTIFICATIONS
- ACLS Certified
 - BLS Certified
 
To schedule an appointment, or for more information, call 919-580-0000. You can also schedule an appointment using our easy online appointment request form.