Our highly collaborative pediatric neurosurgery team works closely with many other pediatric experts representing a variety of disciplines including pediatric medicine, plastic surgery, neuro-oncology, otolaryngology, neurology, epilepsy, neuroradiology, and more.

Our Pediatric Neurosurgeons & Pediatric Nurse Practitioners

Scott Elton, MD, FAANS, FAAP

Division Director, Pediatric Neurosurgery

Dr. Elton is available to see patients for new and return appointments at four locations across the state. Dr. Elton received a BA degree from Brandeis University and an MS degree from Georgetown University before earning his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Elton completed an internship in general surgery, a residency in neurosurgery at Ohio State University Medical Center and a fellowship in pediatric neurosurgery at Children’s Hospital of Alabama. Board certified in both neurosurgery and pediatric neurosurgery, Dr. Elton is currently a Clinical Professor and Division Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at UNC Chapel Hill. Learn more >>

Carolyn Quinsey, MD

Dr. Quinsey is a board-certified pediatric neurosurgeon who specializes in minimally invasive and shuntless surgery. She is fellowship trained in pediatric neurosurgery and operates on children using innovative techniques, which include endoscopic, endonasal, eyebrow craniotomy, and microscopic approaches. Dr. Quinsey is one of very few specialists using flexible neuroendoscopy, the newest technology and techniques to effectively remove tumors and treat hydrocephalus without a shunt.

Dr. Quinsey completed her residency in neurological surgery from UNC Chapel Hill and a fellowship in pediatric neurosurgery from Oregon Health Science University. She is a clinical assistant professor of neurosurgery at UNC Chapel Hill. Learn more >>

Melody Watral, CPNP-PC

Ms. Watral is a certified pediatric nurse practitioner and pediatric oncology nurse. She earned a BS degree in biology from Pacific University and a BS degree in nursing from the University of Miami before receiving a master’s degree in nursing and a post-master’s certificate as a pediatric nurse practitioner from UNC Chapel Hill. She completed a post-master’s fellowship in pediatric hematology/oncology at Texas Children’s Hospital. Melody is currently a pediatric nurse practitioner and Clinical Instructor of Pediatric Neurosurgery at UNC Chapel Hill. Learn more >>

Kristi Hildebrand, MSN, CPNP-AC

Ms. Hildebrand is a certified acute care pediatric nurse practitioner. She earned a BS degree in nursing from UNC Chapel Hill before receiving her master’s degree in acute care pediatric nursing from Duke University. She is certified in pediatric advanced life support and is currently a pediatric acute care nurse practitioner and Clinical Instructor of Pediatric Neurosurgery at UNC Chapel Hill. Learn more >>