Stephanie Porter Receives Allen C. Crocker Award at Boston Children's Hospital (MA UCEDD/LEND)

February 9, 2018

Stephanie Porter, MSN, RN, a long-time ICI faculty member, has received the Allen C. Crocker Award from the Division of Developmental Medicine at Boston Children's Hospital. Ms. Porter works with the ICI's LEND Program, a multidisciplinary training initiative focused on disability inclusion and based at Children's. The Crocker Award is presented annually to honor an individual whose work within the Division of Developmental Medicine demonstrates clinical excellence and advocacy.

Dr. Allen C. Crocker pioneered the study of systems of medical care for children with special needs, and healthful living for persons with Down syndrome. He encouraged the celebration of disability and differentness, and was the longtime and founding director of the ICI. The award was presented to Ms. Porter at the annual holiday party for the division on Dec. 14.

During the presentation, Ms. Porter was recognized for her more than 30 years at Children's. During that time, she has worked with children with special health care needs and their families, and coordinated the MASSTART program for 3 catchment regions in the state. She also has served as the nurse director on the LEND Program, and as lead editor for the acclaimed resource guide for school nurses, Supporting Students with Special Health Care Needs: Guidelines and Procedures for Schools. All these accomplishments represent Ms. Porter's excellence and dedication to the field, and her advocacy skills for families.