About Me
I’ve spent the past 17+ years helping parents, individuals, and couples make sense of overwhelming life transitions so they can feel more grounded, connected, and confident in how they move through them.
Why This Work Matters to Me
I’ve always been drawn to understanding how people grow within relationships, especially during the moments that change everything. Early in my career, I trained deeply in the psychology of mothers and infants, and saw firsthand how little support exists for people navigating major life shifts like parenthood.
I also bring my own lived experience into this work. I know what it’s like to hold multiple identities, to reflect on your upbringing, and to question what you want to carry forward versus what you want to change. That process shaped how I understand attachment, relationships, and what it really takes to feel secure.
Self care, perspective, and being able to let things go have all been key to making life feel more relaxing and intuitive for me.
I can help you get there too.
My Specialities
Many of my clients are navigating identity shifts, relationships that don’t feel the same anymore, or patterns they can’t seem to break.
My therapy is designed for people who want more than just coping. They want to understand themselves.
I believe change happens when we slow down enough to look at what’s underneath the surface, where patterns come from, what needs aren’t being met, and how to start showing up differently in your life and relationships.
What Therapy With Me Is Like
Clients often say working with me feels collaborative, reflective, and grounding.
I’m very engaged in the process. This isn’t a space where you just vent and leave. We’re working together to understand what’s happening and what to do about it.
I adapt to what you need. Some people want tools and structure. Others want to go deeper and understand the “why.” Most people end up doing both.
I’m also human in the room. I’m not afraid to share parts of myself if it helps you feel less alone or makes something clearer.
A Bit About Me
Outside of therapy, I’m a mom to two kids, ages 1 and 7, and part of a biracial family. Parenting is one of the most meaningful and humbling parts of my life, and it deeply informs how I understand stress, love, and identity.
I’ve lived in New York City and abroad in Mexico, and I’ve spent time doing volunteer work in Colombia. I’m drawn to understanding different cultures and how family dynamics show up across the world, including a summer I spent living in Portugal.
When I’m not with clients or my family, I’m usually reading fiction, going to museums, or exploring street art. There’s also a lot of music in our home, especially reggaeton thanks to my youngest.
What clients say
“After a traumatic birth experience I knew I needed help in order to find the courage to have the second child my partner and I both wanted.
Vanessa was sympathetic, kind and completely understanding of what I had gone through. She listened to my story without judgement and had great advice when I needed it. I’m so grateful for her help.
When it came time for the birth of my second I went into it with confidence in myself and my doctors, and that would not have been possible without Vanessa.”
Education, Credentials, & Experiences
• B.A. in Psychology – University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
• M.A. in Counseling Psychology – California School of Professional Psychology
• Triple P Positive Parenting Accreditation
• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – St. John’s University
• Infant Mental Health Specialist Endorsement
• Reflective Supervisor
• Postpartum Doula – Ayurvedic Center of Vermont
• Perinatal Mental Health Certification – Postpartum Support International (in progress)
• Couples Therapy Certification – Dr. Alexandra Solomon, Relational Self-Awareness (in progress)
You don’t have to keep figuring all of this out on your own.
If you’re ready to feel more steady, more clear, and more like yourself again, let’s talk.