Leading with heart: MAC’s DoHee Kim-Appel receives state award for service

When it comes to advancing the counseling profession, Dr. DoHee Kim-Appel leads with empathy, vision, and action. Her service, scholarship and leadership were recognized statewide when she received the Ohio Counseling Association’s (OCA) Dave Brooks Service Award during the All Ohio Counselors Conference on Oct. 30.

The award, established in 2003, honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional service, responsibility, and innovation within the counseling field. It is one of the OCA’s most prestigious recognitions.

A professor in Heidelberg’s Graduate Counseling Program since 2018, DoHee was nominated for her outstanding leadership, advocacy, and lifelong commitment to the counseling profession. Her nominator praised her as an inspiration “for her commitment to the human dignity of all people she works with and how that elevates the counseling profession.”

They continued, “Each new counselor she helps educate is another counselor helping reduce suffering in the world. Her scholarship—through co-authored book chapters, presentations, and articles—creates a legacy of cutting-edge information that will guide future generations of counselor educators.”

“In the current socio-political climate, she is an unsung hero whose belief that every human being deserves to be seen, heard, and championed inspires others toward collective action.”

Reflecting on the honor, DoHee shared, “A beginner’s mindset has allowed me to truly listen to the needs of members. Commitment has meant going beyond expectations, and humility has grounded me in advancing the counseling profession with collaboration, inclusivity, and service.”

DoHee’s leadership extends across multiple professional organizations. She has served as President of the Ohio Counseling Association (2021–2022), President of the Ohio Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (OACES), and Awards Chairperson for the Northwest Ohio Counseling Association. She also helped establish and later led the Ohio Substance Use Disorders Professionals (OSUDP) Interest Group and initiated the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Cultural Dignity Committee at OCA.

As OCA President in 2022, DoHee testified before the Ohio House Behavioral Health and Recovery Supports Committee in support of Senate Bill 204, which enabled Ohio to join the Counseling Compact, expanding access to care and counselor mobility across state lines.

She also founded the International Student and Faculty Interest Network (ISFIN), part of the national Association for Counselor Education and Supervision. ISFIN furthers diversity and inclusion efforts in counselor education.

DoHee acknowledges that she shares these accomplishments with others. “They reflect the collective dedication of colleagues, mentors, and collaborators who believe in building new pathways for our profession.”