Faculty Ambassador

Dr. Wanda Hillard

Dr. Hilliard is an experienced Family Psychiatric Mental Health Care provider. She has worked as a PMHNP-BC since 2010 providing mental health services to the underserved correctional population. Her second specialty practice area is in the management of mental health disorders in the child, adolescent, and adult population in private practice. Her research interests include the use of long-term injectable medications in the releasing incarcerated population in an effort to reduce the rate of recidivism for those diagnosed with serious mental health disorders. Another research interest is the use of Epigenetics and DNA testing in the child and adolescent population. Her Doctoral of Nursing Practice clinical project (2015) at the University of Alabama focused on the utilization of Genetic Testing in Treatment Resistant Depression. Dr. Hilliard has over 15 years of experience in the financial industry. She has a MBA from Millsaps College, and an accounting degree from Belhaven College. Also, she participated in the International Studies Abroad Program in London and Munich. She is a co-founder (2009) of the Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses of Houston (PAPN of Houston), which was recently recognized as a nonprofit organization. Her experience includes teaching undergraduates, and serving as a preceptor for both MSN/DNP students. She has published several articles on the misuse and abuse of mental health medications. She has held numerous board positions in various professional associations (HANP, PAPN of Texas, etc.). Community development projects include serving on the board of director's the Houston Food Bank, and her personal interests include traveling and global/local mission work.