Pioneering Contributions
Over the course of a 40-year career, Stephan Viehweg, MSW, has established himself as one of the most impactful leaders in infant and early childhood mental health, family-centered systems of care, and interdisciplinary health leadership. His visionary work has reshaped how health, mental health, education, and social service systems collaborate to meet the needs of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families.
A deeply respected educator, practitioner, policy advocate, and community leader, Mr. Viehweg has blended grassroots advocacy with high-level systems change to ensure that children and families—especially those with complex needs—are heard, included, and supported across every level of care. His career exemplifies the core values of social work: service, dignity, human relationships, integrity, and the importance of competence.
Viehweg is widely regarded as a pioneer in early childhood mental health in Indiana and beyond. He is the founding chair of INfancy Onward, Indiana’s infant mental health association, and a state and national thought leader in advancing trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate services for young children and families. Through his scholarship, training, and systems advocacy, he has advanced early identification and prevention practices that continue to influence service delivery models nationally.
As Indiana's Ambassador for the CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” campaign, he has spent over a decade promoting developmental milestone tracking and early behavioral health screening—particularly among child care providers, pediatricians, and parents. His work has brought public health awareness and evidence-based screening tools directly into family and community contexts.
Viehweg’s commitment to family-centered care led him to found Family Voices Indiana, part of a national movement for children with special health care needs. His leadership in merging Family Voices with About Special Kids to create Indiana Family to Family (INF2F) ensured a sustainable, unified voice for children with disabilities and their families across the state. As both President and Secretary of INF2F, he helped build a statewide infrastructure of support, education, and empowerment for families and the professionals who serve them.
Since 1990, Viehweg has served as Associate Director of the Indiana LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities) program at the Indiana University School of Medicine. In this role, he has led interdisciplinary leadership training for graduate students and professionals in health, education, and social work—ensuring that the lived experiences of families are treated as a core discipline. His efforts have bridged the gap between clinical excellence and community inclusion.
As a faculty member at both the IU School of Medicine and the IU School of Social Work, Viehweg directed the Catie B. Fellowship in Family-Centered Care from 2011 to 2020. Through this initiative, he mentored nearly 50 social work students to specialize in pediatric medical social work, including focused training on children with disabilities and their families. He also funded and organized student participation in national conferences, preparing the next generation of child and family advocates.
In 2023, he and his wife endowed the Steve and Jan Viehweg Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Scholarship, which supports students committed to this vital and underserved field, further extending his legacy of leadership and education.
Career Highlights
In addition to his academic and nonprofit leadership, Viehweg served as Director of the Fairbanks Hospital Research and Training Institute, where he contributed to the development of evidence-based practices in mental health and addictions treatment. His expertise in developmental disabilities and behavioral health has made him a sought-after policy advisor, trainer, and collaborator across sectors.
He was appointed by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb to the Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board, where he continues to help safeguard professional standards and promote public trust in the behavioral health field. He also serves on the board of the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) and holds the position of Treasurer for the Indiana chapter of Mental Health America, extending his influence in areas of licensing, ethics, and statewide advocacy.
Biographic Information
Viehweg is a lifelong Hoosier, originally from Hammond, Indiana. He earned his Master of Social Work from Indiana University and a Bachelor’s degree from Manchester University, where he was later honored as a distinguished alumnus. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW), an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsed (IECMH-E®) professional, and a Certified Child and Youth Care Practitioner (CYC-P).
Beyond his professional work, Viehweg is a dedicated community leader. He has served as a Unitarian Universalist lay leader, an Eagle Scout, a Scoutmaster, and President of the Cumberland Corporation Development Council. He resides in Greenfield, Indiana, with his wife of 38 years, Jan, and is a proud father and grandfather.
Significant Achievements and Awards
Viehweg’s distinguished service has been recognized through numerous awards across disciplines and institutions. He received the IU Alumni Association President’s Award in 1995 and the IU Indianapolis Spirit of Philanthropy Award in both 1998 and 2018. In 2000, he was honored with the IU School of Social Work Distinguished Alumni Award, followed by the prestigious Maynard K. Hine Medal in 2002. He was also a recipient of the IU Bicentennial Medal in 2020.
In recognition of his excellence in teaching, he received the IU SSW Top Teacher Award from the Student Alumni Association in 2015. In 2016, he was awarded the Honor Alumni Award from Manchester University. These accolades reflect not only his professional excellence but also his commitment to community, education, and the core values of social work.
Significant Publications
Viehweg has published widely on early childhood mental health, interdisciplinary care, family-centered systems, and cultural competence. His scholarship reflects both rigor and relevance, bridging the academy and real-world practice.
• Tomlin & Viehweg (2024) – Tackling the Tough Stuff: A Home Visitor's Guide to Supporting Families at Risk
• Viehweg & Ramaker (2022) – Interprofessional Support for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, in
Social Work in Health Settings
• Chödrön et al. (2020) – “Watch Me!”: Training for Childcare Providers, Maternal and Child Health Journal
• Viehweg et al. (2023) – Open Access and Translational Research, Metropolitan Universities
• Tomlin & Viehweg (2003) – Infant Mental Health: Making a Difference, Professional Psychology
• Mays, Siantz, & Viehweg (2002) – Assessing Cultural Competence of Policy Organizations, Journal of
Transcultural Nursing.
His publications continue to influence education, policy, and direct service for professionals and communities alike.