Kimberly Joo, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, CNE, EBP-C, has over 30 years of experience as a pediatric nurse. For the first 17 years, she worked as a bedside RN in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). During this time, she and her husband raised three boys. Kim earned a master’s degree and a certificate in nursing graduate education. She has 13 years of experience as a nurse educator.

Kim has worked at Wright State University (WSU) where she taught undergraduate and graduate nursing students for 7 years. She was the director of WSU’s Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Primary Care program for 3 years while earning her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. She also taught pathophysiology at the undergraduate level and graduate-level pharmacology as well as in the PNP program at The Ohio State University (OSU). During the time she was teaching, she also practiced as a PNP in the urgent care at Dayton Children’s Hospital.

In 2020, Kim became the lead advanced practice provider for the Urgent Care and Kids Express at Dayton Children’s Hospital. Currently, she leads a group of 30 nurse practitioners. She previously taught in the Health Athlete program in the College of Nursing at OSU. In addition, Kim volunteers as an item writer for the Pediatric Nurse Certification Board’s Primary Care Updates. She is also a mentor for evidence-based practice (EBP) at The Fuld National Institute for EBP where she reviews EBP certification applications. Kim previously served as Treasurer of the Ohio Chapter from 2022-2024.

Keeley Harding, DNP, APRN, CNS, CPNP-AC/PC is a board certified as a pediatric nurse practitioner in primary care and acute care. She teaches in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program in the College of Nursing at the University of Cincinnati. Her previous clinical experience as a nurse practitioner includes acute and chronic pain management, urgent care, and the emergency department. She obtained her DNP degree in 2015 from The Ohio State University.

While in the DNP program, she developed an educational website (www.OhioAPRN.com) for state legislators in Ohio. Keeley is passionate about health policy, and advocates on behalf of children and their families as well as the nursing profession. She has delivered numerous poster and podium presentations at the state, national, and international levels, including 1-hour (Category A) continuing education presentations pertaining to nursing laws and rules required for nursing licensure renewal in Ohio.

Keeley co-authored a peer-reviewed journal article about nurse advocacy and state legislator site visits. She also co-authored a book chapter, “Well-Child Visits During School-Age Years” (Kyle, 2021). She is a member of the manuscript review panel for two peer-reviewed nursing journals. Keeley served on the Ohio Prescription Drug Abuse Task Force. She also has served in various board member positions, including for the Ohio Chapter and Legislative Co-Chair for the Ohio Association of Advanced Practice Nurses (OAAPN).

She has received several awards and honors, including two recent outstanding teaching awards and the Nurse Practitioner State Award for Excellence Award from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Throughout 2023, she was nationally recognized as Ohio’s Emerging Leader.

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Chapter President’s Goals and Key Initiatives

In addition to aligning our efforts with NAPNAP’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, Health Policy Agenda, and Research Agenda, we have been – and will continue to be – focused on initiatives that support Chapter innovation, ensures ongoing evolution, and expanded impact. These efforts are made possible only through close collaboration with our board and committee members, and you (our members!).

• Expanding CE and Networking Events Across the State: Offer a mix of virtual and in-person continuing education (CE) events and networking opportunities across Ohio. These activities promote access, meaningful connection, and regional engagement – helping members stay informed and inspired wherever they practice.
• Developing and Engaging Future Leaders Through Academic Partnerships: We will aim to increase Chapter visibility and promote membership among students in pediatric-focused nurse practitioner, DNP, PhD, and other graduate nursing programs.
• Strengthening Multi-Platform Communication: Keep members regularly informed through quarterly newsletters and diverse media platforms that highlight Chapter updates, advocacy alerts, member accomplishments, and opportunities for involvement.
• Enhance Social Media and Website Engagement: With support from board and committee members, continue to use social media, our website, and digital content to share timely news, promote events, and celebrate our collective impact.
• Promote Operational Transparency, Accessibility, and Continuity: We are developing a centralized, electronic system to enhance and streamline communication among board and committee members, provide easy access to essential resources, and maintain organized record-keeping. This initiatve will promote accountability, support smooth transitions, and ensure that new board and committee members are well-prepared to succeed in their roles.
• Strengthening Role Clarity and Expectations for Board and Committee Members: Continue refining and documenting expectations for all board and committee positions to foster accountability, strengthen collaboration, and improve onboarding so new leaders are prepared to contribute effectively from day one.
• Conducting the 2025 Ohio Chapter Membership Survey: To ensure our efforts truly reflect the needs and priorities of our members, we are conducting the 2025 Ohio Chapter Membership Survey. (Members: Please see the Ohio Chapter’s 2025 Summer Newsletter for details and the survey link). This survey will help us better understand members’ experiences, satisfaction levels, and perspectives regarding the membership benefits and services we provide. Most importantly, the feedback will directly shape the Chapter’s future — informing our goals, initiatives, and continuing education (CE) programming, including ourAnnual Statewide Conference and other events.