Resident in Counseling
Vanessa is a Resident in Counseling for The Wise Family. She is a proud Alexandria local, with a passion for cooking and travel. She loves music, and can often be heard singing or humming in her spare time. Vanessa is a huge believer in the power of positive reinforcement. She loves to offer words of encouragement to others in need. Vanessa hopes to write her own series of therapeutic children’s books, with the objective of providing encouraging forms of psychoeducation to school aged children.
Vanessa completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Old Dominion University in Norfolk,VA. After completing her undergraduate degree, she worked as a paraprofessional for Special Education students grades K-5, within the Alexandria City Public School System. During this time, she discovered her passion for counseling and differentiated learning. Vanessa soon began working as a Therapeutic Day Treatment Counselor offering counseling and behavioral support to students grades 6-12.
Vanessa obtained her Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Medaille College in Buffalo, New York. Since earning her Masters degree, she’s worked collaboratively with children, families, and other care providers as an Intensive In Home and Outpatient Counselor. Vanessa is actively pursuing licensure in Virginia as a Licensed Professional Counselor.
“Amy talks about moving children from being externally-driven to internally-driven…and she helps you get there!”
— Parent of 15-year-old daughter“Amy brings together the best emotion-focused strategies with cutting-edge brain science to change the lives of children and families”
— Parent of adopted twin girls“I went home and practiced what Amy taught me…and it worked!”
— 8-year-old coaching client
