Helping Families Thrive: Meet Kiana Durham, Family Behavior Therapist

At Penfield Children’s Center, our mission is to support children and families through specialized care, guidance, and early intervention. Our team is at the heart of this mission, and Kiana Durham, a dedicated Family Behavior Therapist, is a shining example of how passion and expertise can create meaningful change.

A Journey Rooted in Helping Children

Kiana’s path to Penfield was shaped by her commitment to working with children and families. After completing her master’s degree, she learned about the opportunity at Penfield through a job recruiter. With her background in behavior therapy, she knew it was the perfect fit.

Her previous experience working in child protective services (CPS) and residential treatment centers gave her insight into how childhood experiences shape the adults we become. One of the biggest takeaways from her time in those roles was recognizing the lack of resources available for young children, especially between the ages of 0-6. She knew she wanted to be part of the solution, helping families navigate challenges before they escalate into larger issues.

Transforming Challenges into Opportunities

For Kiana, the most rewarding part of her job is witnessing growth and transformation in both children and their parents.

“Parents start to see different ways to deal with their child’s behavior and begin to build a better relationship with their child,” she shares. By providing tools and strategies to navigate behavioral challenges, Kiana empowers families to foster positive change at home.

She also acknowledges that many providers may overlook early behavioral concerns, dismissing them as phases or minor issues. But Kiana knows that early intervention can make all the difference. By working closely with families, she helps children develop healthier habits and prevents future struggles before they take root.

At Penfield, our Behavior Therapy Services focus on supporting families in these crucial early years, equipping them with resources to create a positive and nurturing environment.

Balancing Passion and Self-Care

Beyond her work at Penfield, Kiana has a unique passion, she’s an Xtreme Hip Hop step aerobics instructor! This fun and energetic outlet keeps her active and helps her maintain balance in her life.

She also emphasizes the importance of self-care for professionals in her field. Her advice?

“When you’re taking care of others’ mental health, don’t neglect yours.”

For those looking for mental health resources or guidance on preventing burnout, prioritizing self-care is essential, especially in helping professions.

Advice for Future Behavior Therapists

For those considering a career in behavior therapy, Kiana encourages embracing continuous learning:

“Be open to knowing that you will not know the answers to everything and that is ok. Sometimes you learn better from experience and it makes you better for the next family.”

If you’re interested in making a difference in children’s lives, join our team and be part of the incredible work happening at Penfield.

At Penfield, we are incredibly grateful to have compassionate professionals like Kiana on our team. Her dedication, expertise, and heart for families make a lasting impact every day.