Therapist Amanda Kneifl feels passionate about being part of KVC Nebraska’s Parents and Children Together (PACT) program. It lets her encourage families who are facing serious challenges and instill hope in them. Parents and Children Together is one of several KVC Nebraska services – along with Intensive Family Preservation, Family Support, and Youth Peer Support Services – that’s aimed at strengthening families. The support KVC provides families in their homes makes receiving help easier and allows them to connect in an environment where they feel comfortable.

KVC’s Parents and Children Together Program

Parents and Children Together provides services to improve family functioning, parenting skills, and enhance child behavior to strengthen and support at-risk youth and their families. As a PACT Therapist, Amanda Kneifl, PLMHP, PCMSW, works with families to empower change by teaching life skills and instilling hope. Amanda believes that all people can change, and a big part of her job is motivating her clients to believe this and change their lives for the better.

Read our Q&A with Amanda to learn more about her role and what drives her passion for working with children and families.

Why did you choose to become a therapist in this field?

I always knew I wanted to work in a profession that revolved around helping people, but for awhile, I was unsure what that job would look like for me. After changing my major numerous times in college, I decided to take a social work intro class. My professor for this intro class was amazing and had a contagious passion for helping people, specifically those with mental health challenges. After completing the course and learning more about the field, I knew social work was what I wanted to do!

What’s it like working at KVC Nebraska?

I love working at KVC! Prior to going back to school to get my master’s degree in social work, I worked at KVC Nebraska as a foster care specialist. After graduating, I was so excited to hear that KVC had an opening for a therapist. The staff at KVC is amazing and everyone supports one another through tough times and celebrates each other’s victories along the way. I enjoy being challenged in my current role and having leaders who are willing to take time to provide me with feedback and opportunities to grow.

What do you find most rewarding about your job?

The thing I find the most rewarding about my job is being able to watch a family make progress throughout our 90-day intervention program. I enjoy helping families accomplish the goals they’ve set to strengthen their family interactions, overcome mental health challenges, and improve their quality of life. Seeing different aspects of their lives improve, through their hard work and dedication, is by far the most rewarding part of my job.

What is one of the proudest moment in your career so far?

The proudest moment of my career thus far has been working as a therapist for the Parents and Children Together program and helping numerous clients accomplish goals when other programs weren’t able to help them. Our goal is to meet clients where they are, such as in their home, and create a comfortable environment to help elicit change. The Parents and Children Together program has given me the opportunity to build rapport with clients by reducing barriers to service and improving family outcomes!

Do you have any advice for the families you work with?

One piece of advice I would give to all the clients and families we work with is to never give up! There will always be challenges in life and using the support and resources you have is the best way to make it through those challenges. Everyone can change and KVC Nebraska is here to help instill that hope during difficult times.

If you’re interested in a fulfilling and inspiring career like Amanda’s, visit our Careers page at www.kvc.org/careers to view open opportunities and apply!