A social worker, infant mental health specialist, educator and advocate, Viehweg has spent his career connecting families with resources and helping build systems that support children's development from birth.
His work has spanned developmental pediatrics, early childhood mental health, family advocacy and community engagement.
A career centered on early childhood
Viehweg serves in the Department of Pediatrics' Division of Developmental Medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine and has been involved with Indiana's Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, or LEND, program since the 1980s.LEND is an interdisciplinary training program that prepares professionals to serve children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families.
After joining the program as a trainee in 1984 and later becoming a staff member in 1990, Viehweg developed a professional focus on infant and toddler development.
As an infant mental health specialist, he works not only in clinical settings but also with community organizations, state agencies, health systems and early childhood programs.
"Social work is about bringing people together," Viehweg said.
Helping establish infant mental health programs
Viehweg was involved in Indiana's infant mental health movement before the field gained widespread recognition.He served as founding chair of the Indiana’s infant mental health association Infancy Onward, which grew from a state-funded initiative into a professional organization focused on the emotional and developmental well-being of infants and young children.
The association partnered with Mental Health America of Indiana to increase awareness that mental health begins early in life. More than 20 years later, Viehweg continues to serve as treasurer of MHAI.
His work also contributed to bringing infant and early childhood mental health endorsement to Indiana, a professional credential that recognizes specialized training and experience in supporting young children and families and their mental health.
Elevating family voices
A consistent theme throughout Viehweg's career has been family engagement.Through the LEND program, he helped promote the idea that families should be partners in shaping services and systems.
That philosophy contributed to the creation of Family Voices Indiana, an organization founded by parents of children with special health care needs. Viehweg served as its founding chair and helped establish a statewide platform for family advocacy.
The effort later evolved into Indiana Family to Family, which continues to provide resources and support for families across the state.
Viehweg said "meaningfully partnering with families" remains a guiding principle in his work.
Promoting developmental awareness
Viehweg has also worked to increase public understanding of child development.For more than a decade, he has served as Indiana's ambassador for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” campaign.
The campaign provides parents and caregivers with free information about developmental milestones and resources for identifying potential developmental concerns.
Viehweg has worked with agencies and organizations throughout Indiana to integrate the campaign's materials into programs serving families.
One change he has noticed over the years is increased awareness among parents.
"People are taking advantage of those resources and trying to do the best they can to understand their kids' development," Viehweg said.
Connecting research and community impact
In addition to his work in pediatrics, Viehweg has supported efforts at IU to promote community-engaged scholarship.He became involved in an initiative which applies research findings to address real-world challenges and now directs the IU Indianapolis Center for Translating Research Into Practice .
The center highlights partnerships between faculty members and community organizations and recognizes projects that improve health and quality of life through research and engagement.
For Viehweg, the work reflects his long-standing interest in connecting research, practice and community needs.
Advice for future social workers
When asked what advice he would offer students and early-career professionals, Viehweg's response is straightforward."Say yes to things," he said. “Social work offers opportunities beyond traditional clinical practice, including advocacy, education, research, leadership, policy and community development.”
Throughout his career, he has taught students, led training programs, contributed to research, co-authored a book, helped establish nonprofit organizations and supported statewide initiatives.
Many of those opportunities began by agreeing to get involved.
“Serving on boards, volunteering and participating in community organizations can create relationships and opportunities that shape a fulfilling career,” Viehweg said.
Why early childhood matters
At the center of Viehweg's work is a belief that early childhood development has lasting effects on individuals and communities.From birth, children begin developing skills related to emotional regulation, communication, problem-solving and relationships. Those abilities influence later success in school, work and everyday life.
"The earlier the better," Viehweg said, noting he speaks for the baby.
He believes investing in children during their earliest years strengthens families, communities and the future workforce.
After more than three decades in social work, Viehweg's career reflects a commitment to improving systems, supporting families and expanding opportunities for children across Indiana.
In 2025, Viehweg received a Pioneer Award from the National Association of Social Work Foundation.
The award recognizes social workers whose careers have made significant contributions to the profession and the communities they serve.
Viehweg said the honor reflects not only his work but also the support of colleagues, community partners and the IU School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics.
