Shellie has been an amazing person and leader since I have worked at KKI. Shellie was the Nurse Recruiter at the time I was hired. She is so personable, honest, unbiased, sweet person you could ever meet. I meet with Shellie weekly and she took on this when my AVP was out for an extended period of time. She chose to do this because she wanted to, not because she had to. Shellie in her current role is a very busy person however she ensures that all concerns big or small are addressed and she makes you feel heard. Shellie not only took on these meetings but she also made sure she did rounds in the outpatient department to talk to staff. Showing your face and talking to staff as frequently as Shellie does shows that no matter the role she genuinely cares for the nursing staff. There are times when I had difficult times in my personal life that spilled over to my professional life and Shellie was there to lend a hand. She always asks "How are you taking care of yourself?" not others but she asks how am I caring for myself. To know that she cares about me personally speaks so much volumes about her as a leader. I can go on and on about how great Shellie is because there has never been a time when she has not shown up for someone. She is always listening and asking staff how can she help. Changing from the role of a Nurse Recruiter to that of a Vice President of Nursing and Chief Nursing Officer, you would think someone would change. NOT Shellie she is still the genuine and caring Nurse that she was then. I think Shellie is more than deserving of this award.

***

Shellie is an exemplary leader and a force of good for nursing at KKI. She is approachable, kind, compassionate, and is a role model for all staff members. I have always appreciated Shellie's caring nature and she is so easy to talk to about any problem or concern. She is always letting employees know she appreciates them. Shellie has always cared about employees and treated them as a whole person, not just a worker, and is a great source of support. I have appreciated Shellie's kindness and support over my years at KKI!

***

Shellie absolutely embodies the Kennedy Krieger vision, mission, and values and wholeheartedly wants the nursing profession to move forward in a positive direction. I have admired Shellie almost my entire career - first when she was the nurse recruiter and even more so now that she is our Chief Nursing Officer. I know that she has my back at all times and her support means the world to me. As a new manager, I feel confident in my ability to lead my team because of Shellie - because of her support and direction. Shellie cares about each one of us and knowing that someone like her has my back, fills me with great joy and pride that she is our leader.

***

It comes with great pleasure to nominate Shellie Williams as Kennedy Krieger’s first DAISY Nurse Leader recipient. Her kind, humbling and professional demeanor sets a positive tone and creates pathways leading to windows filled with opportunities. Despite her wealth of knowledge, seniority, and high level of professionalism, she remains humble, and approachable, and treats others wholeheartedly in a manner that is cordial, softhearted, and patient. Although she is always very busy, Shellie makes herself available to others and endorses an open-door policy. What also makes her so special is that she embraces listening to and promoting new ideas and is receptive to input and feedback from other nurses and staff. Shellie heavily personifies KKI’s mission and vision and exemplifies the true meaning of a nurse leader.