By Arriane Kernes
Most families pass down heirlooms and recipes from generation to generation. For Kennedy Krieger Institute Vice President of Nursing Shellie Williams and her family, the love of giving is what’s being preserved for the generations to come.
Williams began working at Kennedy Krieger in 1990 as a staff nurse for the inpatient rehabilitation hospital. Since then, she’s had a tremendous impact on the Kennedy Krieger community in many ways, perhaps most notably as an extremely hardworking employee who regularly gives back to the Institute.
“When you give to Kennedy Krieger Institute,” she explains, “you’re not just giving to a program. You’re contributing to the transformation of lives.”
But her philanthropic efforts didn’t begin when she started at the organization—they’ve been an important part of her life since childhood.
“My parents instilled in my five siblings and me the importance of supporting people in need and organizations working to make a difference in people’s lives,” she recalls. “I can remember that, growing up, we would regularly visit nursing homes, participate in community programs and support churches, providing interactive activities, encouragement and affirmation, as well as gift baskets and cards.”
Williams’ children inherited her dedication to helping others—all three either hold or have held positions at Kennedy Krieger. Her son, Darryl, is a donor relations specialist for the Institute’s Office of Philanthropy and helps manage the Institute’s employee giving drive. Her younger daughter, Sydni, is a recreation activities staff member and is completing a master’s degree in nursing. Her oldest, Lauren, once worked for the Institute’s Neurodiversity at Work department and is now an elementary school counselor.
When you give to Kennedy Krieger Institute…you’re contributing to the transformation of lives.” – Shellie Williams
“Having all three of our young adults work at Kennedy Krieger seems to be a natural extension of our values of service, compassion and giving back,” Williams says. “Darryl Sr. and I raised our children to see the importance of helping others and understanding the impact that organizations like Kennedy Krieger have on individuals and families. Seeing all three of them choose careers that align with serving others makes us extremely proud, and just reinforces my belief in giving back to the Institute.”
Photo caption: Shellie Williams (center) with two of her three children, Darryl Williams (left) and Sydni Williams. Shellie, Darryl and Sydni Williams all work at the Institute.