Who is Vanessa A. Harris?

That’s me, whether I’m talking with a family member or a frazzled mom at the grocery store.

And I’ll be the first to admit. I’m a piece of work like everyone else, but I’m a work in progress. I’m embracing who I am and my experiences, allowing Jesus to work it all together for my good.

It’s because I know God loves me I’m open to truth that promotes growth. And that’s what I want for you.

But embracing truth requires transparency—honesty with yourself and others. That’s not easy! I know.

Candid

I’m the proud daughter of West Indian immigrants who both pushed me to excel and pushed me away emotionally. It made me a complicated blend: a Teflon tough exterior with a compassionate center.

And as a pediatrician, I advocated for kids like me by educating and empowering the mothers who loved them—or should have anyway.

So, maybe you were like me, lacking a firm foundation of love. And now that you’re a mom, you struggle to show up as one with the love and intention you weren’t shown as a child.

Compassionate

I know all about that, and it’s my passion to share what I’ve learned along the way.

And the journey starts with dealing with your daughter wounds. Because when your childhood issues show up in your motherhood—it’s no fun for anyone. Physical abandonment and maternal neglect leave you without the identity and confidence you need in any relationship—but especially as a mother.

Once I embraced my identity is in who I came from, not who I came through, I found self-acceptance. And that empowered me to authentically connect with everyone I’m in relationship with.

And that’s the beauty of my faith in Christ. He connected me with a faithful Father so I could connect with those around me in a healthy way—one that empathizes with but doesn’t own someone else’s brokenness.

Constructive

So, if insecurity is an issue for you, and faking it till you make it behind a mask hasn’t worked, I’d love to walk you through a better way.

God has a plan for the authentic, unique you. A plan that takes in account all you’ve been through and makes it work for you. It just takes two things: a desire for wholeness and the willingness to work thru the pain to enjoy it.

And I get it. The leap is scary. But you don’t have to go it alone. Contact me on the form below to discuss how I can help.

Fun Facts About Vanessa:

*Married, mother of 3. Love them to pieces!

*Pediatrician and Preventive Medicine Physician who stayed home to look after her own kiddos. And, no, that wasn’t my plan. My life is FULL of detours.

*Homeschooled all 3 kids for 3 years. Yep, just 3 years. God bless homeschool moms and dads!

*Now happily settled in Texas as a retired military family. Texans are a trip, but so are New Yorker City folk, so it works out. Many thanks to all who serve and their families.

*DADDY’s girl forever! DADDY God’s love never ceases to amaze me.

Can I Tell You…

The only book I wanted to write was one for moms. But when I sat down to write it, God changed my plans.

Turns out He wanted to speak to you and me, as daughters, before talking to us as mothers. Then one book became 3 to help women from broken families build a better life by connecting with God as father to discover who you are and healthy relationships along the way.

But moms still have a special place in my heart, especially those of you who feel overwhelmed and insecure in the toughest, most rewarding job out there—period.

I loved serving moms like you as a pediatrician and even as a stay home mom because I uniquely appreciate your struggle from both your child’s perspective and yours.

[Whispering] My journey through childhood to motherhood hasn’t been a walk in the park.

And it’s my passion, mama, to see you persevere with intention and without apology. It’s what I share on my podcast, Motherhood Unmasked, on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. There are even some episodes on the Pray.com app. So, I invite you to join me. Because the hand that rocks the cradle—impacts generations!

Now, being from the Bronx, you’d be right to assume I speak my mind. It’s part of that being candid piece, but the goal is always to share what’s useful—because opinions help no one.

But truth helps, and it’s all Jesus knows to tell. So, I use His words in a variety of ways to challenge the narratives that keep you from His best for you. Do you need someone who tells you the truth flavored with love because she wants to see you be your best? Then I’m your girl.

Let’s walk this out together. Drop me a note on the form below.