Vanessa found yoga in 2001 at a tiny non-for-profit ashram offering classes for teens. Being an avid martial arts practitioner, she was quite surprised at the physical and mental challenge the class provided. Growing up with scoliosis, she found yoga was a great way to alleviate chronic back pain, while simultaneously leaving her feeling more calm and centered.
Vanessa originally attended college for creative writing and publishing and wanted to find a flexible side gig so she could focus on her art. In 2007, she enrolled in a seven month intensive to become a licensed massage therapist. By the end of the program, she also completed an apprenticeship in herbal medicine, became a Reiki Master, and completely changed the trajectory of her career.
After massage school, she immediately went into private practice, and continued to study holistic approaches to physical and mental health. She received certifications in polarity therapy, yoga, and health coaching, all whilst completing her bachelors of science in exercise physiology.
In 2009, Vanessa was in a severe car accident that nearly took her life. Incurring three traumatic brain injuries, she was referred by a neurologist to a psychiatrist to go on medication to help cope with her “permanent” stutter and learning disability.
More relentless than she was injured, Vanessa dove deep into a dedicated meditation practice while exploring every holistic approach to heal her body and mind. From vippasana to craniosacral therapy, she integrated various modalities and made a full recovery without the use of pharmaceutical drugs or allopathic interventions.
In 2012, she took what she learned on her healing path and opened Emerge. Her mission was to provide the space to empower individuals to reclaim a sense of sovereignty in their healthcare.
Over the past decade, Vanessa has continued to expand her knowledge while simultaneously serving thousands of clients either through teaching or one-on-one sessions. Whether it’s through a group training, acupuncture, somatic bodywork, or individual coaching, Vanessa has a unique way of supporting clients to actualize their potential and access their innate power to physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Certifications: B.S. in Exercise Physiology from Hofstra University, NYS Licensed Massage Therapist through Finger Lakes School of Massage, 200-HR RYT @ YPC, 300-HR RYT @ ISHTA Yoga w/ Alan Finger (to complete 500-HR Cert), Yin Yoga Training w/ Corinna Benner, 200-HR Forrest Yoga Foundation Training, Advanced Forrest Yoga Teacher Training, AntiGravity Fitness Trainings: Fundamentals 1 & 2, Aerial Yoga 1 & 2, Suspension Fitness 1 & 2, Restorative, AIRBarre, Just KIDS, 1 Star Trainer, Reiki Levels 1, 2, 3 through Soul Song – Usui Reiki Master Teacher, APP & RPP Certifications in Polarity Therapy, JFB Myofascial Release Therapy Seminars (MFR1, MFR2, Unwinding & Advanced Unwinding), Upledger Craniosacral Therapy 1, 6 Month Herbal Medicine Apprenticeship from Heartstone Herbal School, Certified by the AADP (American Association of Drugless Practitioners) as a Holistic Health Counselor from Institute of Integrative Nutrition, Ashiatsu Certified, Cupping Therapy Certification through ICTA, Masters of Science in Acupuncture