Vanessa Ayala-Pech

Ascend California - Assistant Residential Camp Director

Vanessa came to Ascend the way many families do, through a teen who found their voice in a congressional chamber. For four years, she watched her son compete nationally in congressional debate and entrusted his growth to the Ascend Speech & Debate camp. That experience inspired her to see what this program can do for young people.

Professionally, Vanessa has over 20 years of teaching experience working with students, families, and educators in complex, fast-moving environments. As an Intervention Coordinator and Specialist in a Bay Area school district, she is responsible for keeping systems running smoothly across multiple school sites: managing student data, coordinating staff, facilitating family communication, and serving as the first point of contact when challenges arise. She knows what it means to hold things together behind the scenes so that the people in front of students can do their best work.

She holds a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, CA Administrative Credential, a Master's in Educational Leadership (MS), and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.). Vanessa has spent her career building connections between teachers and families, data and instruction, and what students need and what systems can provide.

At Ascend Speech & Debate, Vanessa brings that same energy to residential camp life. Her job is to make sure every student feels safe, supported, and set up to succeed, from morning to lights out. She is here to make sure the small stuff never gets in the way of the big experience.