Vanessa Atkins is the Director, Professional Learning within the Center for Afterschool and Expanded Learning, providing professional development, technical assistance, and content development to our clients nationwide.
A science educator who began her career in the lab, she spent a decade in museum education before transitioning to classroom teaching and leading STEM summer enrichment and later served as program director of out-of-school time (OST) programs for school-aged youth at Temple, Rutgers, and Rowan Universities. She has also served as a university faculty member, advised aspiring medical professionals, and built STEM career pathways through corporate partnerships.
Vanessa is privileged to have helped young people reach their career goals by expanding access and opportunity. She finds inspiration in the success of her former students—now nurses, respiratory therapists, faculty members, physicians, leaders, and entrepreneurs—whose journeys were shaped by her coaching and support. Vanessa enjoys crafting, traveling, and singing, but cherishes time spent with family most of all.