Empower Your Health Journey

 At BridgeCare Health Navigators, patients and families are guided through the often overwhelming healthcare journey — bridging the gap between medical care and everyday life.

Founded by Dr. Shaneka Simmons Patterson, a board-certified Neurology Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in healthcare, BridgeCare was created in response to the challenges she witnessed in clinical practice. Too often, patients struggled not because of a lack of effort, but because they did not have the resources, knowledge, or support needed to navigate a complex healthcare system while preserving independence and dignity.

BridgeCare’s approach is unique, drawing on multiple disciplines — pharmacy, nursing, case management, and medical provider expertise — tailored to each individual’s needs. This coordinated, personalized guidance ensures patients not only understand their care plans but also gain access to the resources, education, and follow-up support necessary to live healthier, more independent lives.

At BridgeCare Health Navigators, the belief is simple: healthcare should be clear, accessible, and empowering. With the right guidance, every person can become an informed and confident partner in their own care.

BridgeCare Health Navigators — Bridging gaps. Building healthier lives.

Our mission is to bridge the gap between patients, providers, and the healthcare system by providing compassionate, individualized guidance. We help patients understand their care, access resources, and navigate their health journey with confidence and dignity. 

Dr. Shaneka Simmons Patterson is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 17 years of diverse healthcare experience, specializing in neurology, stroke care, rehabilitation, and transitions of care management. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2008, her Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2012, and her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Healthcare Administration in 2025.

Throughout her career, Dr. Patterson has been instrumental in advancing patient care and clinical practice. She helped establish the first inpatient consultation service for the Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and launched the outpatient transitional care stroke clinic at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). She has also contributed to the field through scholarly publications on stroke care and transitional management.

Passionate about reducing healthcare disparities and improving access to quality stroke care, Dr. Patterson actively engages with the community through educational presentations on stroke awareness, hypertension, and chronic disease prevention at churches, civic organizations, and local events across Mississippi. She is dedicated to guiding patients beyond survival toward independence, dignity, and meaningful living. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys traveling, gardening, and spending time with her husband and their four children.

Dr. Kevin Brenton Patterson is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in emergency medicine, primary care, and hospitalist services. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice, and has spent more than eight years working in high-acuity emergency department settings.

Dr. Patterson has developed a strong foundation in health promotion, physical wellness, and evidence-based practice. He is deeply committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care, approaching each patient with empathy and respect. Through ongoing professional development and interdisciplinary collaboration, he strives to improve health outcomes and enhance the patient experience.

Outside of his clinical work, Dr. Patterson enjoys spending time with his family and actively participating in community activities.