About Vanessa
Vanessa has a rich academic and professional background that has shaped her comprehensive approach to supporting mental health and wellness. She completed her studies at the University of British Columbia (UBC), earning a B.Sc. in Cell Biology, a B.Ed. with a major in Secondary Science and a minor in Special Education, and an M.Ed. in Counselling Psychology. Her journey through her Master’s program was a transformative experience, balanced with family life, including two maternity leaves and a move to the Sunshine Coast. Most recently, Vanessa expanded her skill set by completing training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), enabling her to offer trauma-focused therapy.
Professionally, Vanessa has worked in a variety of educational roles, with a focus on Inclusive Education. She has taught at nearly every grade level, both in secondary and elementary schools, and has specialized as a Learning Assistance Teacher, Special Education Teacher, and Teacher Counsellor. Her career evolved into administration, where she held positions such as District Principal of Support Services and Director of Instruction for Student Support Services with the Sunshine Coast School District. In 2019, Vanessa moved to Vancouver Island and semi-retired, returning part-time to the classroom as an Inclusive Support Teacher and Counsellor, while also serving as a Sessional Instructor at the University of Victoria. She later returned to administration in 2020 as District Principal of Safe and Healthy Schools for the Sooke School District, a role that allows her to focus on educator wellness and resiliency—areas that are key to her own professional development.
Outside of her professional life, Vanessa enjoys hiking, cooking, and spending time in her garden. She is currently building her dream home on the West Coast, a project that she looks forward to completing this summer. This will allow her to focus on launching her private counselling practice, with a focus on wellness, mental health, and offering educator retreats to promote self-care and resilience.
Vanessa’s extensive experience in education, counselling, and leadership, combined with her personal commitment to wellness, uniquely positions her to support individuals in their mental health journeys. Through her counselling practice, she aims to provide a nurturing space for healing, growth, and resilience, with a particular focus on supporting educators in maintaining their well-being.
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