Congratulations to College of Western Idaho (CWI) Counselor, Yanet Nuñez, who has been named the 2026 Supervisor of the Year by the Idaho Counseling Association (ICA).
The ICA Supervisor of the Year Award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond in providing exemplary counseling supervision, demonstrating ethical leadership, meaningful feedback, and a strong commitment to developing future counselors. This recognition reflects Nuñez’s impact, leadership, and dedication to the counseling profession.
At CWI, Nuñez serves as both a counselor and the primary supervisor for master’s-level counseling interns. In that role, she is known for creating a supportive, reflective, and nonjudgmental learning environment where interns are encouraged to grow into their roles with confidence and intention.
“She didn’t tell me the ‘right’ way to do things,” one nominator shared. “She guided me to find the path that made sense for me, which helped me grow into a confident counselor.”
Nuñez integrates evidence-based practices into both her counseling and supervision. Nominators highlighted her use of mindfulness and creative interventions, her emphasis on ethical decision-making, and the way she models healthy self-care throughout the supervision process.
“I feel truly honored to receive the Supervisor of the Year Award,” Nuñez said. “It is incredibly rewarding to witness the growth of counselors in training and to support them as they develop into the counselors they aspire to be. This recognition is meaningful because it reflects being seen and valued for the work invested in supporting future counselors and the broader counseling community.”
She also noted the lasting impact of those she has worked with.
“I am always inspired to hear about former trainees and the positive impact they continue to make,” she said. “Community support is more important than ever, and I remain deeply committed to supporting both my counseling colleagues and our local community.”
Nuñez’s impact extends well beyond required supervision hours. She provides mentorship, career guidance, professional connections, and ongoing encouragement that continues to shape the counseling community long after interns complete their training.
“Yanet is an outstanding clinician and has done an amazing job guiding the counseling interns that help support our students,” said Jodi Hickenlooper, Assistant Director of Counseling and Wellness Services. “I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award.”
Through her work, Nuñez continues to strengthen both the counseling profession and the support systems available to students and the broader community.
