Nemours Nurse Champions for Children Award Recipient

Wilmington, DE – Karen Smail, MSN, CNNP,
CPNP, is a 2011 recipient of the Champions for Children award from Prevent Child Abuse
Delaware (PCAD).

Presented at PCAD’s third annual gala on
October 28, 2011, Ms. Smail was recognized
for the exemplary work in child abuse prevention and advocacy, and medical care provided for abused children.

Ms. Smail graduated with Honors from Carlow College’s (Pittsburgh, PA) School of Nursing
with a bachelor’s degree. She went on to
earn two Master of Nursing degrees from the University of Pittsburgh as well as subspecialty certification as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
and a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.

Ms. Smail has worked in various nursing
capacities at health systems throughout
Pennsylvania and Delaware.

Currently, Ms. Smail is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Nemours Pediatrics in Milford, DE. She also provides medical care at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Delaware in Georgetown, DE. In these roles, Ms. Smail has become widely recognized for her expertise in child physical and sexual abuse and neglect.

"For the last 12 years, through her dedication, tenacity, empathy, and common sense Karen has provided capable and compassionate medical evaluations for victims of suspected abuse. This is not an easy task for anyone," stated Dr. Allan DeJong of Nemours Department of Pediatrics. "Karen truly is a Champion for Children."

"For me, it’s really about the kids. It’s about ensuring they have the opportunity to grow up free from abuse and neglect," remarked Ms. Smail.

According to Child Help, a leading national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect, a report of child abuse is made every five seconds in the U.S. "Working together with funders, volunteers, and community partners," Ms. Smail remarked, "We can prevent child abuse and neglect."