An alum of Lawrence Township Public Schools, Vanessa is excited to return home to the district.  She is in her 18th year working in education, and has been a special education administrator for the past 14 years. 

Vanessa has always made decisions where children’s needs were put first. She began her career as a school psychologist in Lawrence Township before transitioning into administration, gaining experience in several unique school districts. Vanessa began her administrative career in Trenton Public Schools, where she was Assistant Director of Special Education, before becoming the Director for the Rancocas Valley Regional School District, and later the Mt. Holly school district. Her last seven years were spent in the Bordentown Regional School District as the Director of Special Services.

During her time in Bordentown, Vanessa worked diligently and creatively to find ways to support the changing needs of the students in the community. This included providing therapeutic supports, the creation of a postgraduate program to support students in their home community, and the innovation of various special education programs with specialized academic instruction and emotional support.

Vanessa is passionate about ensuring that all classrooms are supportive, safe and effective learning environments for all students. It has always been her belief that students with disabilities should have access not only to a least restrictive environment, but to an education that fosters the skills that enables him/her to become a lifelong learner.

Vanessa holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from West Chester University, and an Educational Specialist degree in School Psychology from Rider University. She has been an adjunct graduate school professor at Rider University, and is a mentor for new administrators through NJPSA. She is excited to rejoin the district, and support the students, staff and families.