Prior to joining STEPS Vanessa worked as a care assistant for the elderly in a residential care home. She also worked in a care home as a support worker for people with physical disabilities and neurological conditions. Vanessa attended Norton College and gained a BTEC Higher National Diploma in Photography. In 2016, she went to Sheffield College and gained a N.V.Q Level 2 Diploma and a N.V.Q Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care.

In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, going out for walks in the Peak District and going to the cinema.