“Vanessa’s coaching is exceptional. Her intellect, curiosity, and commitment to creating a positive coaching environment makes every session a safe place to grow. Her specific expertise in navigating cross-cultural working environments has been a great asset to our coaching sessions. She has insightful ideas to handle complex issues and I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to work with her early in my career. Highly recommend!”
“As a CEO, I’ve worked with many professionals, but my experience with Vanessa has been truly transformative. From our first session, it was clear that she possesses a unique blend of expertise, empathy, and insight. Vanessa took the time to understand my professional goals and the unique challenges I face as a leader in today’s dynamic healthcare and mental healthcare environment. Her intelligence, insight, and sense of humor make the challenging work more enjoyable. Vanessa has played a pivotal role in my growth as a CEO.”
— Ann Mendelsohn, CCHP, NYC
“I have had the privilege to work with Vanessa over the past 6 months in my capacity as Board Chair of a ballet company, Her clear, direct yet empathetic and encouraging manner, has given me confidence and inspiration to tackle difficult interactions as well as the work that does not come naturally to me... Her comprehensive approach seems unique to other consultants I have worked with over years in non profit management, and from my viewpoint enables her to be a “one and done” choice for someone seeking help to manage a young, inefficient or stuck organization.”
— Eve R., Ballet Company Board Chair, New England
“As a leading executive working internationally, organizational and national culture have created personal professional challenges for me. Vanessa brings tools of cultural analysis to the consulting/coaching environment that allows for a reframing of experiences and situations that supports successful outcomes.”
— Isobel Reed, JP Morgan, Paris FR
“As the Chief Operating Officer of McLaughlin & Stern, my team and I have had the pleasure of working with Vanessa on numerous HR-related matters. Our firm made the strategic decision to partner with VHH Consulting rather than hiring an in-house expert, and that has proven to be an invaluable choice. From our very first meeting, Vanessa demonstrated unmatched professionalism, backed by an extensive wealth of knowledge in the HR industry.
Her years of experience, combined with a refreshing and engaging personality, make her an exceptional partner. We look forward to every interaction with her and consistently leave our meetings feeling confident, informed, and fully supported in tackling each task at hand. Vanessa’s expertise has truly made a significant impact on our operations, and we are grateful for her continued support.”
— Stephen Grisanti, McLaughlin & Stern, NYC
“As a small company without a formal human resources department when we navigated a difficult human resources challenge, Vanessa stepped in to offer advice, counsel and offer common sense approaches to the organization’s human resources as a whole. She provided advice and templates. I would recommend Vanessa because she’s kind, thoughtful but firm when giving advice. As someone without a strong HR background I benefited from her guidance and knowledge in structuring our operations going forward. I learned a great deal and Vanessa’s approach never made me feel inadequate for not knowing something, it was like having a coach: someone who could help you make a game plan and was in your corner during the game.”
— Karin Romans, Friends of NYC Nurse Family Partnerships, NY
“When our non-profit ballet company faced human capital management challenges that impeded our growth, Vanessa went beyond the problem to analyze the issue from an individual, team, and organizational level. She has helped us with personal coaching in combination with organizational development and HR systems advice.”
— Peter Bramante, Newport Contemporary Ballet, Newport RI
“After the sudden loss of my husband, I was overwhelmed with both grief and the daunting responsibilities ahead. Vanessa was instrumental during this challenging time. She provided a customized checklist that helped me navigate everything from my husband’s employer’s HR intricacies to managing critical finances like his 401(k) and life insurance. Despite facing an unresponsive HR department and a lapse in our healthcare coverage, Vanessa’s expertise and patient guidance shone through. She not only helped me manage the practical aspects of my situation but also supported me in transforming my grief into gratitude, empowering me to restart my professional life as a freelance designer. Vanessa is truly a beacon of support and expertise, and I highly recommend her services to anyone navigating emotional trauma alongside complex corporate systems.”
— Diane Barkeij-Fokas, Doen Creative, New Paltz NY
“Vanessa is an exceptional coach and consultant, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with her and achieve my desired results under her guidance. Her dedication, expertise, and genuine care for her clients shine through every session. Vanessa has a remarkable ability to listen attentively, understand complex situations, and offer insightful solutions tailored to individual needs. Her professionalism and positive attitude create an atmosphere of trust and encouragement, making each session not only productive, but also enjoyable. I always look forward to my time with Vanessa, I highly recommend her services to anyone looking to elevate their personal or professional life!”
— Carson Cunningham, Consultant, NYC
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Vanessa recently as I navigate a pivotal point in my career, and I can’t recommend her highly enough. Her guidance has been invaluable in helping me clarify my professional goals and confidently strategize my next steps. Vanessa brings a perfect balance of insightful analysis, practical advice, and thoughtful encouragement. She asks the right questions, challenges my thinking in productive ways, and provides actionable strategies that have already made a measurable impact in my life. I cannot speak more highly of Vanessa - she is not only knowledgeable but also deeply invested in my success.”
— Grace P., Metro NYC
“ Leaders of creative organizations feel comfortable in the creative space of ideas, but often feel alone when addressing organizational challenges. particularly in the areas of management and leadership. Vanessa can provide thoughtful and confidential counsel that exists outside the firefighting of the daily operations of an organization. Instead, she provides practical HR operational advice and can at the same time be an important sounding board to creative minds. ”
“Vanessa collaborated closely with our nonprofit board to develop a series of innovative and personal sessions. She played a key role in bringing together a significant group of supporters to brainstorm and re-engage with our fundamental beliefs, and to create new narratives for the future...Vanessa was an exceptional guide throughout the process, demonstrating authenticity, thoughtfulness, humor, engagement, and perceptiveness. We are planning to work with Vanessa again in the future.”
— Christine Rocca, Jamestown Arts Center, Jamestown RI
“Vanessa has been a tremendous help to my organization as we have navigated a very difficult HR situation. She provided smart, common sense solutions that helped to de-escalate the problem and to move us forward while protecting our non-profit’s reputation. She is amazingly intelligent and relatable in her council and a terrific resource to have.”
— Ellen Cohen, Non-Profit Board Member, NYC
“When senior executives did not understand or buy into the need for greater digitalization in their work, Vanessa co-designed, managed, and delivered an offsite for more than 40 senior executives, in which participants explored the impact on human and business goals…all in a spirit of excitement, positivity, and teamwork.”
