By Laura Thornton
Annie Stuchell first visited Kennedy Krieger Institute as a young nurse attending a conference on developmental disabilities. Touring the Institute, she knew: This was where she wanted to work.
“I wanted to be at a small place where I could have a big impact,” says Stuchell, affectionately known as “Nurse Annie” to the hundreds of patients, families and colleagues she’s worked with during her four-decade nursing career at the Institute.
Over the years, Stuchell has served in many departments at the Institute, including the inpatient hospital, outpatient clinics, schools and the Neurobehavioral Unit. She retired in 2022 but returns on occasion to fill in as a temporary nurse, or just to visit with colleagues.
“Working at Kennedy Krieger fed my soul,” she explains. “It kept me going. We’re all working to do good and make people’s lives better. Not everyone can say they do that as part of their job.”
Stuchell’s always looked to give back where she can, often simply through volunteering. “You only need to give a little to make an impact,” she explains.
I always want there to be a Kennedy Krieger.” – Annie Stuchell
Recently, Stuchell decided to name Kennedy Krieger in her will as a beneficiary of her estate. Her gift will support continuing education—conferences, workshops, seminars, etc.—for nurses at Kennedy Krieger.
“Nursing leaders at Kennedy Krieger helped make me the nurse I am,” says Stuchell, who, in turn, has mentored dozens of nurses at Kennedy Krieger over the years. She even refers nurses working elsewhere to the Institute. She tells them: “Come work at Kennedy Krieger and get happy!”
Kennedy Krieger’s nurses are integral to the Institute and its mission, she adds. “I really respect all of our nurses. They provide nursing care in our hospital, they ensure our students can attend school, they keep the clinics running.”
By targeting her legacy to support Kennedy Krieger’s nurses, Stuchell is supporting the Institute’s future. “That’s why I give back,” she explains. “I always want there to be a Kennedy Krieger.”
Photo caption: Annie Stuchell and Kennedy Krieger Chief Operating Officer Jim Anders