2023 William Oxley Thompson Alumni Award Hoet
Dr. Ariana Hoet ’11
Ariana Hoet ’11 has emerged as a vital voice on pediatric mental health. Her expertise is sought throughout the country, which is facing a crisis in children’s mental health, according to the surgeon general’s office.
Hoet is a clinical psychologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and executive clinical director for On Our Sleeves, an organization providing free children’s mental health educational resources for their families and communities.
Hoet, 33, promotes mental health strategies through every tool at her disposal, from social media to public forums to interviews with national media and even concerts with rock stars. As a clinician, she works with Latino and Somali immigrant children in her quest to help underserved communities gain access to mental health care.
Question
Why did you become a pediatric psychologist?
Childhood is a very important time of life. One in five children have mental health concerns, and half of all mental illnesses start by age 14. By working with children, we can get to people earlier and sooner to build skills that will prevent mental health concerns as kids grow into adults.
Question
How has your personal experience contributed to your mission?
I moved to Ohio from Venezuela when I was 15. That was incredibly hard because I left my family and friends behind. I went through major depression, and my parents were very worried. They urged me to go to therapy or join something at school to get out of the house. I got involved in theater and started making friends and feeling like a part of the school and culture. I think my personal experience shows up most clearly when I’m treating immigrant children and their families.
Question
You often work with public figures. What are some highlights?
I’ve loved working with Ohio State Coach Ryan Day and his wife, Christina. I've done videos and conversations with them, and they are so impactful in the way they share their stories and break stigmas about mental health. One of the most exciting things I’ve done is to participate in a benefit concert featuring bands including the Backstreet Boys, NSync and New Kids on the Block. My millennial self had a lot of fun.
Question
What’s the best advice anyone has given you?
I don’t have one big thing, but every time I make a major life decision, I talk with a lot of different people. I'm surrounded by people who push me and motivate me. Mostly, I turn to my husband, parents and colleagues for advice.
“Dr. Hoet recognizes that the science our field produces is only as good as the downstream impact it has on people’s daily lives, and she is incredibly gifted at making this information accessible.”
Awarded to young alumni who have demonstrated distinctive achievement in a career, civic involvement or both. Nominees must be 35 years or younger.