Vanessa is a Texas native who grew up in Dallas. She attended Eastfield College for a year, then transferred to Cedar Valley College where she graduated in May 1999 as a Registered Veterinary Technician from the school's Veterinary Technology Program.

She has three cats she absolutely dotes on, Tuffy, Daisy and Muffin. In her spare time, she likes to shop, dance, and sing in karakoe restaurants.

She also seems to be a real pool shark! Her favorite music band is Creedence Clearwater Revival.