Melissa Varnes, CPNP-PC

I have always loved working with kids, from helping in my church nursery to babysitting. When I started nursing school, I knew Pediatrics was where I belonged. Children are not little adults, and each age, from infancy to young adulthood, has unique developmental needs. My goal as a provider is to support each child and their family through all these stages, to ensure my patients are reaching their fullest potential by optimizing both physical and mental health. When not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family, and anything outdoors.

I chose to become a midwife after an amazing physician-led pregnancy and birth with my first child. I asked my doctor how he managed to create an experience that was so patient-focused and his response was, I worked with midwives right after residency and they helped me learn to listen. Fast forward several years: I decided to make a major career switch for the sake of doing something impactful and midwifery jumped to the front of my memory. It was the most impulsive decision my family and I ever made, but it has become the most wonderful adventure and we have never looked back. My philosophy to patient care is that most patients know where they want to go, they just need help creating the map to get there. My goal is to use modern evidence-based practice with the patient-focused lens of midwifery to navigate any obstacles so that we can find the safest, most respectful path to our happiest destination. When I am not at work, I relax by laughing with my close friends, having adventures with my family, and my ultimate guilty pleasure: binge-watching dating shows with my husband.

Keisha Smith, NP is a dedicated nurse practitioner affiliated with UNC Health Care, focusing on cardiology services in Raleigh, NC. With a specialization in cardiology, Keisha Smith, NP provides expert care and support to patients seeking cardiovascular health services in the Raleigh area. Generated from their website's infomation