Recovery is often described as a journey, but it is rarely a journey taken alone. At Cedar Oaks Wellness Center, we believe that the environment in which you heal matters just as much as the clinical therapies you receive. While our 120-acre campus of forest and open space provides the physical backdrop for peace, it is our unparalleled team of addiction specialists and support staff who provide the heart and soul of our program.
We are dedicated to building a culture where growth is celebrated—not just for our clients, but for our staff as well. That is why we established The Acorn Award, our most prestigious annual recognition designed to highlight the team member who waters the seeds of recovery every single day.
We are incredibly proud to announce that the recipient of this year’s Acorn Award is Kym Prell, a dedicated Resident Assistant (RA) and Qualified Behavioral Health Technician (QBHT) whose influence radiates throughout our campus.
From Small Seeds to Strong Roots: The Meaning of the Acorn Award
At Cedar Oaks Wellness, nature is more than just a setting; it is a metaphor for the recovery process. The acorn is small, humble, and often overlooked, yet it contains within it the potential to become a mighty oak tree: strong, resilient, and deeply rooted.
The Acorn Award was created to recognize the one Cedar Oaks team member who best demonstrates that same potential for growth, reliability, and everyday excellence throughout the year.
This is not a participation trophy; it is a testament to sustained impact. The Acorn Award winner is someone who consistently “shows up” for our clients and their colleagues. They are the individual who handles difficult moments with grace, who offers a listening ear when it is needed most, and who embodies our core values of professionalism and compassion 365 days a year.
Nominations for the Acorn Award are submitted by both clients and staff. This makes the honor particularly meaningful, as the winner is someone who has earned the respect of the people they serve and the people they work beside.
Spotlight on Kym Prell: Compassion in Action
This year, the spotlight shines on Kym Prell.
In her role as a Resident Assistant (RA) and Qualified Behavioral Health Technician (QBHT), Kym is often on the “front lines” of client care. RAs are essential to the fabric of residential treatment; they are the individuals present during the in-between moments—the meals, the downtime, and the evenings when clients often feel most vulnerable. Kym consistently brings a calming presence and unwavering professionalism to these interactions.
The staff and clients who nominated Kym highlighted her ability to make people feel seen and safe. In an environment where clients are navigating the difficult early stages of detox and rehabilitation, having a staff member who offers patience and genuine care can make the difference between giving up and pushing forward.
Going Above and Beyond: Holistic Healing
What truly sets Kym apart, and a major reason for this recognition, is how she brings her unique personal talents into the professional space to enhance client recovery.
In addition to her clinical support duties, Kym has expanded her impact by offering sound bath and reflexology services on campus. These offerings support our integrative wellness programming and provide clients with critical tools for nervous system regulation.
Addiction and mental health disorders are chronic diseases that impact the brain, often resulting in high levels of anxiety, stress, and “fight or flight” responses. Traditional talk therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) are vital for changing thought patterns, but sometimes, the body needs to heal before the mind can listen.
By offering sound baths, a meditative experience where clients are “bathed” in sound waves produced by healing instruments, Kym helps clients achieve a state of deep relaxation that might be difficult to access otherwise. This aligns perfectly with the Cedar Oaks philosophy of treating the whole person, not just the symptoms of addiction.
Why Staff Culture Matters in Addiction Treatment
When you are looking for an addiction treatment center in Ohio, it is easy to focus on the amenities or the list of therapies offered. And while Cedar Oaks is proud of our luxury facility and evidence-based curriculum (including MAT, dual diagnosis treatment, and detox), we know that people heal people.
A treatment center is only as good as its staff. When a team is happy, supported, and recognized for their hard work, that positive energy flows directly to the clients. A staff member who feels valued—like Kym—is able to pour from a full cup. They have the emotional bandwidth to offer empathy during a crisis, the patience to guide a client through a trigger, and the dedication to ensure safety protocols are followed meticulously.
The Annual Acorn Award is our way of publicly acknowledging that this work is hard, but it is also holy. It requires a level of emotional labor that often goes unseen. By celebrating Kym, we are celebrating the spirit of service that defines Cedar Oaks.
Integrative Wellness at Cedar Oaks
Kym’s contribution of sound bath therapy and reflexology highlights a broader pillar of the Cedar Oaks approach: Integrative Wellness.
We are located on 120 acres of nature for a reason. We believe that disconnecting from the chaos of the outside world and reconnecting with one’s own body and mind is essential. For many of our clients, their nervous systems have been dysregulated by years of substance abuse or trauma.
Our program combines clinical excellence with holistic modalities to bridge that gap:
- Detoxification: Safely managing the physical withdrawal symptoms.
- Clinical Therapy: Using Motivational Interviewing and DBT to address the psychological root causes.
- Holistic Tools: Using nature, sound therapy (thanks to Kym!), and mindfulness to teach the body how to feel safe again without substances.
This combination gives our clients the best possible chance at long-term sobriety. We don’t just want you to stop using; we want you to build a life that feels good to live.
Join Us in Congratulating Kym!
We are incredibly grateful to have Kym Prell on the Cedar Oaks team. Her blend of clinical professionalism as an RA/QBHT and her holistic heart as a sound healer makes her a true asset to our community. She is a perfect example of what it looks like to “meet clients where they are”, whether that is supporting them through a difficult day or guiding them through a session of deep relaxation.
As Kym receives the Annual Acorn Award, she represents the strength, reliability, and deep roots of the oak tree. We look forward to seeing her continue to grow and positively impact the lives of everyone who steps foot on our campus.
Are you or a loved one struggling with addiction? If you are looking for a place where you will be treated with compassion, dignity, and personalized care, Cedar Oaks Wellness is here for you. From our dedicated staff like Kym to our comprehensive dual diagnosis programs, we are ready to help you begin your journey to a healthy lifestyle. Contact us today.