She previously led a program of work at the University of NSW focused on improving the lives of children, families and communities facing adversity, establishing a community-based research centre to bridge the gap between research-practice and research-users. Vanessa has also led work in NSW government developing an evidence-informed framework to establish shared outcomes across agencies and improve the wellbeing of vulnerable populations. Her background includes child psychological assessment, managing a community health centre and teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students in health inequalities, health promotion and research methodology.