Vanessa is a founding director of Bridge to Hope and has been actively engaged in the operation of the organization for more than 30 years. She has served as Executive Director since 2008.  

Vanessa spent 30 years in education teaching fine arts and serving as chaplain and spiritual director, leading the school to be the first ever recognized as a School of Spiritual Excellence by the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Excellence. She is also a “serial entrepreneur,” starting a music school at 19, followed by a catering company, and Homestead’s first Day Spa. Helping others is her greatest passion which lead her to pour her heart and soul into growing the impact of Bridge to Hope. Vanessa is a life-long learner. She holds a variety of certificates in Non-profit management, has a Master of Theology, a BAS in Supervision and Management, Certificates in Godly Play Education, and a Leaders of Learning certificate from Harvard EdX. She is a Miami Leader, class of 2016, a graduate of Florida Thrives at Catalyst Miami, Social Entrepreneurs Bootcamp, and the Miami Dade District 8 Non-profit Academy. Vanessa was awarded the Angels in Adoption Honor in 2019 by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute.