Vanessa came to Ascend through her son's four-year involvement in national congressional debate competitions. Her professional background spans over 20 years in education, serving as an Intervention Coordinator and Specialist in a Bay Area school district, where she manages student data, coordinates staff, and facilitates family communication across multiple sites.
Her educational credentials include a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, California Administrative Credential, Master's in Educational Leadership (MS), and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) currently in progress.
At Ascend, Vanessa ensures student safety and support throughout residential camp, managing logistics so that instructional staff can focus on delivering quality instruction. Her philosophy reflects her career-long commitment: "Her job is to make sure every student feels safe, supported, and set up to succeed, from morning to lights out."