Village Pediatrics of Chapel Hill, NC 27516

Maria Mekeel RN

Back in my hometown of Newburgh, New York, I worked in various business settings. My husband Hal and I moved to Boston where my son, Jess, was born with a metabolic disorder. It was my experience with Jess’ illness that led me to nursing school. I saw how important nursing care was to children and their families, and knew it was exactly what I wanted to do.

I worked as a nurse in Boston, when healthcare professionals were still baffled by the precipitous onset of HIV infections. We moved to Chapel Hill in 1987, where I supervised the crisis team at UNC Hospitals. I began working specifically with children at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Center, providing primary care as well as assisting with research projects.

I eventually joined the Chapel Hill Children’s Clinic where I was nursing supervisor for 15 years. For me, the greatest part of this work is getting to know the families. A sick child is far more than a medical file. Children are sisters, brothers, and grandchildren. They are students, athletes, church members and an integral part of the village that we all live in. “It takes a village isn’t just a motto. It is our philosophy. It has always been my philosophy, and it is wonderful to be working at Village Pediatrics with others who share that commitment.