Although Vanessa is a native Floridian, she calls Montana home after 30+ years of residence in Big Sky Country.  She and her husband Steve are blessed with five children and, at present count, four grandchildren.  Vanessa earned her bachelor's in administration from LeTourneau University and her master's in hospital administration from Tulane University.  She has held positions in med-surg, long-term care, and adolescent psychiatric healthcare facilities.  Vanessa's passion for books and education is evinced by her teaching roles in secondary and undergraduate institutions and by her continuing graduate work in education and library sciences.  She also acts as an advocate for foster children by serving on the advisory board of Promise686 Montana Initiative, an organization that provides resources to support families in crisis, foster families, and adoptive families throughout Montana.  When she does relax, her spare time is spent with her children and grandchildren boating, playing pinochle, and relaxing at the family cabin near Yellowstone National Park.