Keeley N. Sherman, APRN

Keeley Sherman, APRN, CPNP-PC, will never forget the moment she decided to pursue a career in medicine. Her father had been hospitalized after suffering a stroke, and a neurologist was meeting with her family ñ including 8-year-old Sherman.

"He took me out to the nurse's station, pulled up two chairs and proceeded to go over every test, scan and treatment that my dad had undergone," she said. "He explained it in a way that an 8-year-old could understand. I describe that day as my 'lightbulb moment' for knowing I wanted to go into medicine, and specifically pediatrics. I wanted to be an advocate for all children and a voice for those who could not speak, and help get them excited and invested in all aspects of their health, no matter their diagnosis."

Now a nurse practitioner specializing in pediatrics with Methodist Physicians Clinic, Sherman works to build trust with patients and families through "open communication, advocacy and teamwork." She's especially passionate about pediatric patients with mental health challenges, and she's trained in COPE2Thrive cognitive behavioral therapy ñ a program for youths with anxiety, depression and ADHD.

Whatever the reason for a visit, Sherman is excited for the opportunity to spend time with her patients.

"Without a doubt, my favorite part of my profession is getting to walk with children and their families through each diagnosis, milestone and special moment in their lives," she said. "I promise to provide the best care to every child who comes into my practice and to care for them as if they were my own. I promise to always have an ear that will listen, a door that is open and a shoulder to lean on as we navigate your child's health journey together."

When she's not caring for patients, Sherman volunteers for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital as a St. Jude Hero Ambassador. She enjoys running half-marathons, painting, reading, playing sand volleyball and spending time with friends and family. She also loves animals, saying, "I firmly believe that you can be both a cat person and a dog person."