Angeline Kai Vibar

My career path has been anything but linear, and I’ve learned to embrace that. I owe my resilience to my parents, Marie and Rod Vibar, who always encouraged me to begin again when life called for it. I began in the creative arts—singing with a band, acting in theater, producing PSAs, and working in film—before transitioning into mental health, where I now blend storytelling and clinical care to support healing. Today, as an Associate Therapist with Protocol Behavioral Health and Smart Counseling Mental Health Center, I provide integrated mental health services to oncology patients and veterans, drawing from both my creative background and clinical training to meet people where they are. What once felt like unrelated chapters now reveal themselves as threads of perserverance, reinvention, and a deep commitment to human connection.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is: don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself. It’s okay to switch gears, pivot, and explore new directions—especially when something no longer aligns with your growth or purpose. If one door closes, trust that another may open—one that’s a better fit for your passion and values.

I am forever grateful to have been shaped by four brilliant women: my mother, my godmothers Rowena and Rebecca, and my best friend Tina—whose strength, wisdom, and generosity continue to light my path. To those just entering this work, I’d offer this: lead with presence, not perfection. Let integrity outshine image. People don’t seek the flawless; they seek the real. Protect your wholeness as fiercely as you nurture others. Rest. Breathe. Set boundaries. Compassion does not demand your sacrifice—it asks only for your authenticity. You don’t need to carry every answer. You only need an open heart, a listening ear, and the willingness to grow.

One of the biggest challenges in the mental health field right now is navigating the complexities of insurance and access. It can be frustrating to see how difficult it still is for many people to receive care, and how mental health is often treated as optional rather than essential in medical settings. That said, I see this as an opportunity for advocacy and systemic change. I believe deeply in the work we’re doing to integrate mental health into broader healthcare models and ensure it's treated with the urgency and respect it deserves.

One value that consistently grounds me—both personally and professionally—is authenticity. Whether I’m in a therapy session, creating a mental health video, or speaking publicly, I lead with honesty. If I don’t know something, I say so. If I make a mistake, I own it. That kind of transparency builds trust and reminds others (and myself) that mental health work is deeply human—not just clinical. Cultural humility is another guiding principle I hold close. As a Filipina American and the eldest of three, I grew up alongside my younger brothers, Topher and Jon. Guiding them while also learning from them taught me how essential representation and empathy truly are—and how harmful it can be when voices and identities are erased. Mental health care must be flexible and culturally responsive, shaped by the lived experiences of the people we serve, not just textbooks or theories. My background in nonprofit media also taught me the value of meaningful communication. I carry that with me into my clinical work, striving to make people feel seen, heard, and supported in ways that truly resonate with who they are.