Meet Sister Marlene Queensberry
Congregation of Divine Providence

She says, "We hold that healthy children learn better." Believing this, she, working with other school personnel, the families and the students themselves, teaches health, coordinates programs such as dental clinics, other clinics and vision exams, examines students and, when illnesses are serious enough, advises families to see a doctor.

"I see myself as providing a place of safety and security for these children," Sister Marlene says. "I work with children from violent families, violence usually due to drugs and alcohol and, on occasion, stealing to support the drug habit."

Sometimes Sister Marlene must call Protective Services when there is evidence of child abuse. On one occasion, she cared for two badly bruised little boys who came to school. Their mother had hit them. Their big sister told them to go to the nurse. Receiving a call from Sister Marlene, the Child Abuse Hotline intake worker made the case a priority, one which had to be investigated within 24 hours. The little boys were terrified at the thought of returning home.

"I called a social worker and asked if he would get someone to the school before 3:00 p.m. Just ten minutes before dismissal time, the case worker arrived. The boys cried that they did not want to go home; they were too scared.

These children, who told the case worker the terrible abusive things their mother had done and whose case had been verified, were permanently removed from the home. The children were actually happy that they didn't have to return home."

As a Sister of Divine Providence, Sister Marlene adds a much needed dimension to her work as a school nurse. In her boundless compassion, she is Providence to many children and their parents.

She recounts, "I have a student with Progeria, a genetic disorder of old age. He has had a hip replacement and a stroke already; he will be only ten years old this year. Even though he has regained his speech and the use of his right side, the doctors have told his parents that he is terminal. This little fellow has a great personality and is a real entertainer."

"He tells his teacher that he has to come and check on the school nurse every day," Sister Marlene said.

"We have some great conversations. He can tell me how he feels about things. Sometimes he talks about his elf-like appearance. This year he has just begun to relate a feeling he has that something is watching him. He says, 'It isn't like God because I know God always watches over me.' I try to help him explore this feeling. I think it may be some kind of preparation for death. I'm happy to be involved in this process with him. As we talk, we sometimes share a snack together - or he eats part of my lunch!"

Encounters such as these break Sister Marlene's heart but accompanying joys keep her fueled to keep on keeping on in this challenging work.