She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Literature at the University of Virginia. She later obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Northwestern University and a Master of Science in Nursing at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1988. She completed clinical rotations primarily at Cook County Hospital (now Stroger Hospital). She has extensive experience providing care for families both in and out of the hospital setting. Ceal has received numerous honors including an Award for Innovative Midwifery Care from the American College of Nurse-Midwives – Illinois Affiliate and the Joyce Roberts Award for Excellence in Midwifery. She is fluent in Spanish. In her leisure time, Ceal enjoys gardening, reading, and bike riding.