About Me
Hi, I’m Machele Chaljub, a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC).
I believe that true healing comes from a harmonious balance of mind, body, and spirit. My approach to mental health care is deeply rooted in understanding the whole person, not just their symptoms.
My Story
Growing up as the youngest of eight children, I learned early on the importance of understanding and appreciating diverse perspectives and personalities. This has shaped my approach to nursing, allowing me to embrace differences and provide inclusive care to all patients, regardless of their beliefs, identities, or views.
I have always been fascinated with the brain and its complexities. This led me to healthcare, where I began my journey as an Oncology Nurse and later as an Intensive Care Nurse. After marrying and starting a family, I pursued my Nurse Practitioner degree to merge my advanced education with my extensive nursing experience, aiming to help patients achieve their healthcare goals.
In my role as a Nurse Practitioner in the Internal Medicine Department, I observed that a high percentage of my patients experienced a wide range of mental health concerns. The connection between mental and physical health became increasingly apparent to me, and I found myself helping these patients with their mental health struggles while improving their physical health. I witnessed firsthand the profound impact that a holistic, patient-centered approach can have on one’s well-being.
This realization inspired me to further specialize by obtaining my Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification from Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. However, I found that working in an academic center often meant being constrained by institutional and insurance limitations, which impacted the quality of care I could provide.
Motivated by the desire to offer comprehensive and integrative care without these constraints, I decided to establish my own practice. This allows me to focus on delivering patient-centered care, free from the barriers typically imposed by larger institutions.
As a woman on my own journey through the stages of perimenopause, post-menopause, and menopause, I deeply empathize with others navigating these transitions. I am on my own journey to find the right balance of lifestyle changes, diet, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals to manage symptoms and achieve optimal health.
Having been a caregiver for my mother, who developed dementia, and for my husband, who suffered an embolic stroke, I understand firsthand the challenges of caregiving, navigating the healthcare system, and the feelings of isolation that can accompany it. I also know the profound impact of finding a healthcare provider who listens, supports, and validates one's fears and concerns.
In the midst of seeing countless providers for my husband, a psychiatrist once said to me, “There is hope.” Those simple words brought me immense comfort as a caregiver and have become a cornerstone of my practice. I recognize the complex emotions of caregivers—overwhelmed, fearful, exhausted, vulnerable, guilty, and angry. My goal is to provide compassionate, trusting, and caring support to offer relief and direction throughout this journey.
Clinical Experience
Having worked in healthcare for over 30 years, including roles in Intensive Care Units, Internal Medicine, various hospital units, and the Lymphoma Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at MD Anderson, I bring a holistic and patient-centered approach to my practice.
My role as a Family Nurse Practitioner has shaped my approach to care, emphasizing preventive strategies, patient relationships, and long-term wellness. With 8+ years of experience in Internal medicine, I can help treat you within the context of both your physical and emotional health while ruling out and treating any root cause that may be contributing to your symptoms.
I have also received specialized training at the Women’s Mood Disorders Center and the Children’s Mental Health Center at Johns Hopkins, and have presented on topics such as mental health literacy and opioid addiction at institutions like Johns Hopkins and UTMB.
Personal Interests
Outside of the clinical setting, I’m a wife and mother to two amazing daughters. I love traveling with my family, immersing ourselves in different cultures and histories. While we love living on the Gulf Coast, our favorite getaway is spending time at a peaceful lake in Wisconsin with friends and family. Gardening is my personal refuge—I find it peaceful and rewarding. As a lifelong learner, I am committed to staying current with the latest literature and attending courses to enhance my understanding of both traditional and alternative treatments.
My Values
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I believe in creating an environment that fosters inclusivity, diversity, and equity, ensuring that patients feel safe, respected, and validated.
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I view the treatment process as a shared decision-making journey between provider and patient. By encouraging patients to take responsibility for their care, they gain confidence in the plan and develop a sense of ownership. The relationship between provider and patient is key to the client’s success and is, to me, invaluable.
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I believe education is crucial in empowering patients. When patients understand the process, the rationale behind treatment options, and the science supporting these recommendations, it can reduce stigma, fear, and apprehension. Providing evidence-based recommendations and explaining the rationale builds patient confidence in their care.
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Every fear, concern, and opinion of the patient is valid. It's essential that patients feel heard and respected. When their feelings are genuinely acknowledged, trust is formed. This foundation allows for effective education and collaboration, driving progress toward improvement.
My Credentials & Accolades
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, The University of Texas Medical Branch School of Nursing
Dean’s List UTMB, BSN
Summa Cum Laude UTMB, BSN
Masters of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, The University of Texas Medical Branch School of Nursing
Summa Cum Laude UTMB, MSN
UTMB Community Service Award
Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Honor Graduate
Training at Johns Hopkins University:
Sage Recovery & Wellness, Austin Texas (Spring, 2023)
Johns Hopkins University Women’s Mood Disorders Center (Spring, 2023)
The Johns Hopkins Children’s Mental Health Center (Summer, 2023)
The Johns Hopkins Hospital Bloomberg Children's Center-Child Psychiatry Consultation Liaison Service (Summer, 2023).
Board Certifications:
Family Nurse Practitioner- FNP-C
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner- PMHNP-BC
Honor Societies:
Sigma Nu Beta
Sigma Theta Tau International
Awards and Recognition:
2024 The Daily News: Reader’s Choice Awards- Best General Practitioner
2022 The Daily News: Reader’s Choice Awards- Best Nurse Practitioner
2022 Best Nurse Practitioner, Galveston.com Best of the Island Finalist
2021 Best Nurse Practitioner, Galveston.com Best of the Island
Professional Memberships
The Galveston Chamber of Commerce member
American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
Galveston Coalition of Advanced Practice Nurses
Texas Nurse Practitioners
Texas Nurses Association
American Nurses Association
Integrative Psychiatry Training, Dream Practice Academy
Scientific Presentations
UTMB School of Nursing Presentation: “Opioids: A National Crisis”
Johns Hopkins Presentation: “Evidence-based Integrated care Programs for at risk subpopulations: Prevention and Treatment of Anxiety, Depression, and Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Among College Students.”
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Presentation: “Mental Health Literacy Interventions for At-Risk Subpopulations- Providing Inclusive Care for the LGBTQ+ Population, and Identifying Barriers to Care and Health Disparities.”