Background

Meet Vanessa, a passionate helping professional with over 20 years of experience in the field. She’s dedicated her life to empowering others—therapists, case managers, clinicians—essentially, the helpers of our society. However, in her journey, Vanessa faced a painful reality: too often, her conversations felt like dead ends. She would find herself trapped in dialogues trying to diagnose, fix, interpret, and convince, only to see little progress. This frustration drove her to seek a better way to connect with those she aimed to help.

Everything changed when Vanessa discovered Motivational Interviewing (MI). This proven method transformed not only the way she engaged but also the outcomes of her conversations. She learned how to listen deeply and create an empowering environment for those she worked with—removing the pressure to 'fix' everyone. In 2009, she attended a MI Train the Trainer cohort and started sharing these skills with the organization she worked at. By 2020, she became a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) and became a distinguished MI trainer, sharing her insights with behavioral health teams, nurses, juvenile justice professionals, and Friend of the Court staff.

The results have been remarkable. Vanessa's approach has helped countless helping professionals shift from frustration to success, finding more fulfillment in their roles. Gone are the days of feeling overwhelmed or unhelpful—her workshops and trainings inspire confidence and competence.

At Motivational Minds, Vanessa retains her commitment to the helping community. She, along with her husband, resides in Michigan, juggling her role as a dedicated professional while keeping up with her three adolescent kids and a diva of a Goldendoodle. Vanessa is not just a mentor; she’s also a testament to what a well-guided conversation can achieve. Trust her expertise to bring clarity to your own challenging conversations. Schedule a free consultation today, create your training plan, and follow up—taking baby steps toward empowerment has never been easier.

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