We bid farewell to Rose Viviano

Our beloved Senior Clinician, as she retires after 30 years of dedicated service to the Family Houston community. Rose’s journey with us began in 1993 when she joined as a resident after graduating from the UHCL Family Therapy Program.

Initially assigned to our Central and Waller locations, Rose later expanded her services to Fort Bend in 1996 where she spent the rest of her career with Family Houston. She initially was assigned to work at Chupik House, a halfway house for recovering drug addicts with HIV, beginning her career-long commitment to those in need.

In 2002, Rose began working at West Oaks Hospital on the weekends, specializing in the Chemical Dependency unit. Her experience there not only emphasized the importance of documentation but also uncovered hidden skills.  Interns often told her that she facilitated the best groups! Rose concluded her hospital tenure in 2021, leaving with newfound insights.

Beyond her clinical roles, Rose contributed to addiction education programs at the Fort Bend Council, finding joy in presentations. She found that she appreciated working with HIV-positive people and those dealing with a terminal illness.Rose consistently emphasizes that the most effective therapy occurs when the clinician undergoes significant personal transformation and is equally influenced by the therapeutic process, a principle evident in her work with the HIV population. “They forever changed me as a person both professionally and personally.”   

Adapting to evolving agency priorities, Rose diversified her focus to work with adults, children, and couples. Drawing on her eclectic therapeutic approach, she incorporated elements from Jungian psychology, using stories and myths to foster hope and growth.

Reflecting on her 30 years, Rose expressed gratitude for a supportive network, great supervisors, and the challenges that facilitated her personal and professional growth. Her legacy includes being a role model, mentor, and holistic therapist, providing team-wide Continuing Education Units on various topics.

Regarding her tenure at Family Houston, Rose commented, “I feel so very privileged to have been able to do the work I have done with such a supportive network of co-workers and individuals that cared enough to help me be the best I could be.  For that I am truly grateful.”  

Rose’s unique hospitality extended to famous field trips in Fort Bend, visiting places like the Hindu and Buddhist temples. As Rose embarks on retirement, she leaves an indelible imprint on those privileged to work with her. Though she’ll be missed, her legacy of instilling hope and creating safe, empathetic spaces will endure. 

Best wishes, Rose, in this new chapter of your life.