Originally from sunny Los Angeles, California, Vanessa has travelled to work in a variety of international schools including New York City, Hanoi, Jeju Island and Singapore. She holds a master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Columbia University and has over 15 years of experience teaching in primary and middle school. Vanessa has worked in bilingual and mainstream programs as a classroom teacher and as an EAL specialist. She values building a strong community within her classroom through positive interactions and growth mindsets. During her free time she enjoys walking in the Botanic Gardens with her daughter, exercising and reading.