BIOGRAPHY
Mary-Lou is the Nurse Paralegal at Rawls McNelis and Mitchell. She is the initial contact for veterans or family members who wish to discuss the possibility of a medical malpractice claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act. She has been with the firm since 2000.
Mary-Lou was born at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Virginia and grew up as the daughter of a Naval officer, US Naval Academy class of 1939. As such, she has an innate respect for the veterans and their families who have served their country.
Mary-Lou has a bachelor’s degree from George Washington University in liberal arts. She subsequently studied for her RN at Newton-Wellesley Hospital School of Nursing outside of Boston Mass. After graduation, Mary-Lou worked at Newton-Wellesley Hospital until moving out of the Boston area. Subsequently she worked at nursing homes, in doctor’s offices, and with Hospice of Northern Virginia. All of this experience has given her a realization of the patient as a person, and hopefully as a member of a family.
Outside of work Mary-Lou enjoys the company of her family and friends. She is active in her church and her local women’s group. She is a dog lover, having nurtured several rescue dogs. She enjoys tennis with friends and exercise classes at the local gym.