Before joining The Children’s Cabinet, Vianka worked in a residential treatment center for adolescents. It was there that she witnessed the difficult reality of separating families during times of crisis.
“What drew me to The Children’s Cabinet was knowing that our focus is on keeping families together,” Vianka explains. “After seeing the residential side, I understood just how important that preventative work is.”
Now, as a therapist intern, Vianka primarily works with children experiencing temperamental and behavioral challenges. She has seen how quickly a child opens up when given the chance to feel safe and truly heard. Sometimes, that one therapy session is the only uninterrupted hour a child has with an adult’s full attention—a moment that can make all the difference.
In each session, the focus extends beyond the child to include the entire family. Vianka believes that’s where lasting change begins. “If we only treat the child, the problem might continue,” she shared. “But when the family heals together, the whole system improves.”
For Vianka, The Children’s Cabinet’s approach makes this work even more impactful. Free therapy, paired with resources like child care support and a food pantry, ensures families’ basic needs are met so they can focus on healing.
“Therapy can be expensive—sometimes $150 a session even with insurance,” she says. “That’s just not realistic for families who are already struggling. What makes The Cabinet special is that we remove that barrier.”
Vianka has worked with a wide range of families—from children and teens to young adults and families impacted by domestic violence. Every session is a chance to adapt, to learn, and to create a safe space where families feel supported and understood. Thanks to The Children’s Cabinet’s free family counseling and wraparound support, more families can access the care they need without the barrier of cost.
