Vanessa grew up all over Miami. As a child she decided to become a movie director in order to meet Dolly Parton. She became a photographer in her teens.

Since then, Vanessa graduated from RISD, the Rhode Island School of Design, with a BFA in Photography. She went on to complete an MFA in Visual Arts at the University of Chicago. She has photographed in over 11 different countries, often concentrating on children's issues.

She currently resides in Miami, Florida working as a freelance photographer. She teaches photography at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and for the Olli Center at the University of Miami. Vanessa also runs the RISD Alumni Club of South Florida... and is, as always, making something happen.

She did meet Dolly.