Since 1972, National School Nurse Day has been dedicated to recognizing the vital role school nurses play in supporting student health and well-being. Celebrated each year during National Nurses Week (May 6–12), this day offers a meaningful opportunity to honor the compassionate professionals who care for our students, staff, and faculty each and every day. At Country Day, we are proud to recognize and thank our incredible nursing team: Wendy Barber, Gwen Nix, Sharon Ferris, and Meredith Schulz.
Wendy Barber
Wendy Barber’s journey into school nursing began unexpectedly when she started subbing at Country Day while her youngest child was entering kindergarten. Having spent years working in an adult trauma unit, she hadn’t initially considered school nursing but quickly fell in love with it. The variety of each day and the opportunity to teach students through every interaction made it a perfect fit.
Wendy finds deep purpose in helping students understand their bodies - how they function, why illness and injury occur, and how they can recover and grow from those experiences. She is passionate about equipping young people with the knowledge and confidence to take ownership of their health, empowering the next generation to be informed and proactive healthcare consumers and advocates.
Her own approach to helping students feel better centers on listening and validation. By acknowledging what students are experiencing and involving them in their care plan, she helps them feel seen, heard, and in control - an approach she believes is truly transformative.
When faced with emergencies, Wendy draws on her extensive experience in high-stress medical environments. She follows the nursing process - assess, plan, treat, and evaluate - while maintaining intentional calm. Her deliberate and methodical approach not only keeps her focused but also reassures those around her.
Her advice for staying healthy is clear: eat real food, stay hydrated, stay active, and prioritize sleep. She emphasizes that our bodies are designed to handle life’s challenges, but only if we take care of them first!
Gwen Nix
For Gwen Nix, becoming a school nurse was a natural next step in a career rooted in care and connection. After taking time away from nursing, she felt called to return to a profession she deeply values - especially one that allows her to work with children. Drawn to the energy and joy they bring, she found that school nursing not only aligned with her passion for working with kids but also with her family and personal life.
At Country Day, Gwen finds fulfillment in both the big and small moments. Whether it’s reassuring parents that their children are being well cared for or seeing a student leave the health room with a smile after treatment, she cherishes the impact she can make. Watching students grow into resilient and responsible individuals over time is especially meaningful.
Her specific approach to care is rooted in patience, kindness, and honesty. Gwen takes time to truly listen, knowing that the reason a student visits the health room isn’t always immediately clear. Creating a space where students feel heard often makes all the difference in how they feel. In stressful situations, she relies on experience and a calm, focused mindset, understanding that her presence helps students feel safe and supported.
When it comes to staying healthy, Gwen emphasizes the importance of balance - eating well, staying active, getting enough sleep, and managing stress. She encourages students and staff alike to avoid overthinking and to make time for both responsibilities and relaxation. Above all, she considers it an honor to be part of the Charlotte Country Day community and to serve alongside such a dedicated Health and Wellness team.
Sharon Ferris
Sharon Ferris was inspired to become a school nurse by her love of helping others feel better and healthier - combined with the joy and unpredictability that comes with working with children! She appreciates that no two days are the same and that students bring energy and excitement to her work. Her path to Charlotte Country Day School was a natural extension of these passions, and she sought out a community where she could make a meaningful impact on students’ well-being while being part of a vibrant and supportive school environment.
Before her daughter graduated in 2018, Sharon began subbing at the school, which allowed her to become more connected to the community and the people who make it so special. When it came time for former nurse Liz Grasty to retire, it felt like the perfect opportunity to give back to the community that had given her daughter so much.
What Sharon finds most rewarding is looking beyond the surface. A simple stomachache or minor injury often has a deeper story, and she takes pride in uncovering the root cause to provide meaningful care. She values teaching students about the mind-body connection, helping them understand how emotions can manifest physically and building their resilience in the process.
Her “magic tricks” are simple but effective: a quick reset, a cool compress, or a calm conversation can go a long way. In high-pressure moments, Sharon centers herself by taking three deep breaths and focusing on what needs to happen next, allowing her to respond thoughtfully and calmly.
Her advice for maintaining health throughout the school year is straightforward and practical: wash your hands, cough into your arm, stay hydrated, get plenty of sleep, and “don’t borrow worry.” It’s a message grounded in both prevention and perspective.
Meredith Schulz
For Meredith Schulz, serving as a middle school nurse is both a joy and a calling. Each day, she arrives on campus eager to support students in an environment where they are growing academically, socially, and emotionally. She values being a trusted presence - someone students can turn to not only for medical care but also for reassurance or simply a safe space during the day.
Meredith’s approach to care is both compassionate and creative - her “magic remedy” of a peppermint often brings comfort and a quick smile to students who aren’t feeling well. She understands that small gestures can make a big difference.
She finds it incredibly rewarding to play a direct role in students’ well-being, knowing that healthy students are better able to learn and thrive. Whether helping manage chronic conditions or encouraging healthy habits, Meredith is dedicated to supporting students in ways that will benefit them far beyond the classroom.
A Heartfelt Thank You:
On this National School Nurse Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to Wendy, Gwen, Sharon, and Meredith for the care, compassion, and expertise they bring to our community and across our campuses. Their dedication ensures that Country Day remains a place where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.
Go Bucs!