Scottish Rite for Children congratulates Sheila Maldonado and Sherri Posey on being named D Magazine’s 2025 Excellence in Nursing honorees. This annual recognition celebrates nurses whose compassion, dedication and exceptional caregiving skills make North Texas a healthier place.

Take a moment to read what their colleagues have to say about them:

SHERRI POSEY

“Sherri is an exceptional nurse who embodies Scottish Rite for Children’s mission of ‘giving children back their childhood.’ She continues to provide outstanding, child-focused care and educate others to transform the lives of children and families. Patients and families trust her deeply, and she treats every child like her own. Over 13 years ago, Sherri mentored me, teaching me how to navigate complex patient cases. Thanks to her guidance, I currently lead the clinic. It is incredibly hard to find a nurse like Sherri, and I am extremely lucky to work with her and learn from her for the past 18 years! She has helped shape and grow my nursing practice, and I will be eternally grateful for all her help and guidance! All our nurses consider Sherri to be their role model and a safe space. Her office is a frequent landing spot for nurses to ask questions and get Sherri’s opinion on how to proceed with a difficult case. There is no one more deserving of this award than our own Sherri Posey. She is truly one-of-a-kind!”

– Jennifer Bowden, RN Manager

“During Sherri’s nearly 30-year career at Scottish Rite, she has made a profound impact on the lives of many patients and their families.  She helped establish Scottish Rite’s RN coordinator role in the Ambulatory Care department, and she has mentored many RNs throughout the years.  Her commitment to nursing, as well as to Scottish Rite’s mission, is remarkable. She emulates the core values of the hospital. Congratulations, Sherri!”

– Stephanie Brigger, Vice President of Development

“Beyond her exceptional skills, Sherri embodies integrity and respect in everything she does. She is not only a phenomenal preceptor but also a true friend. She has stood by me during both the highs and lows in my life—whether it is personal or professional. Sherri selflessly goes out of her way to help others, often without seeking recognition for her acts of kindness. Her compassionate spirit extends to everyone around her, from her volunteer work outside of the hospital to her dedication to her patients at Scottish Rite. She continuously seeks to elevate the standards of nursing care. She is a fountain of knowledge, sharing her expertise generously and empowering those around her to strive for excellence.”

– Marivel Hamer, RN III

“I have had the privilege of knowing Sherri since 1998.  I started my journey at Scottish Rite as new nursing graduate. Sherri is my earliest influence here, and I will be forever grateful for the impact she has had on my life.  Sherri has helped countless patients and families, trained many residents and taught us all something here.  We are all better for knowing and working with Sherri.  Sherri puts the bar high, and it’s our privilege to carry her lessons forward.”

– Emily Elerson, RN III

Sherri Posey is a strong patient advocate, an excellent nurse and teacher. Her dedication to her patients and families is special to see. Patient education has always been very important to Sherri, and she has served on several committees for patient education over the years. I have worked with Sherri for many years, starting in the Inpatient Unit to Ambulatory Care. She is an excellent nurse and role model to all!

– Carrie Wilson, RN III

SHEILA MALDONADO

“Working with Sheila is like having a medical superhero on your team. She swoops in with compassionate care, a collaborative spirit and an ability to solve complex patient challenges with a smile. Her attention to detail is like Sherlock Holmes but with a stethoscope. Sheila’s talent for creating innovative treatment plans that truly benefit both children and their families is unparalleled. She should have her own ‘Ask Nurse Sheila’ column.

Beyond her clinical magic, Sheila has this knack for connecting with families. She’s like the Mary Poppins of patient education. She is calm, reassuring and always ready with a spoonful of sugar. This award is a testament to her dedication, her talent and her ability to make even the toughest days a little bit brighter.

Cheers to Sheila!”

– Christine Murphy, M.D., Medical Director of Pediatric Developmental Disabilities

“Marian Wright Edelman once said, ‘If we don’t stand up for children, then we don’t stand for much.’ Sheila is a true advocate for our children who have spina bifida. She comes to work every day with a focus on helping her patients in all aspects of their lives. She provides optimal medical care, self-directed skills, educates patients and their families about their condition, encourages community involvement, guides them through healthcare systems and always listens to their concerns. Sheila is a dedicated and compassionate advocate for these children, ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive. Sheila is deserving of this Excellence in Nursing honor every day.”

– Richard Adams, M.D., Physician in the Pediatric Developmental Disability Division

“It has been a pleasure working alongside Sheila in the Pediatric Developmental Disabilities department. She is an outstanding nurse who consistently goes above and beyond for her patients. As an educator, she excels in helping patients, parents and families understand their care. Her empathy for patients is remarkable, and she works tirelessly to find solutions for their needs. Sheila is truly an asset to Scottish Rite, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with her.”

– Madelyn Holmes, RN III

“Sheila Maldonado is the Spina Bifida Clinic’s urology nurse coordinator. It is important to differentiate that Sheila is the urology nurse coordinator, because she is the only one at Scottish Rite. It is her passion, her purpose and her calling. On top of her job responsibilities, Sheila is called throughout the day by other departments to assist with urologic procedures. When parents call in, they ask for Sheila by name. When one of her patients was staying in the Inpatient Unit, Sheila made time to go visit and play cards with him. He said that Sheila was his favorite nurse, when he was featured on Scottish Rite’s Instagram page. She spends many hours with patients, their families and school nurses in the community to teach them how to catheterize, which improves the patient’s overall urologic health and quality of life. Sheila never does anything halfway, even when she is buried in other tasks. She is the ultimate example of patient-centered care. Sheila deserves this award more than anyone I know.”

– Brianna Pittsinger, RN III