Vanessa Yvette
Miami,FL
Summary
Passionate and results-driven Nature-Based Wellness and Advocacy Specialist with over a decade of experience in program coordination, community engagement, environmental advocacy, and event logistics. A dedicated leader in eco-therapy, forest bathing, and sustainability, I have developed and led nature-based healing programs that empower BIPOC communities and at-risk youth. Skilled in event planning, administrative support, volunteer coordination, and grassroots advocacy, I excel in mission-driven environments that expand access to outdoor spaces, environmental education, and community wellness initiatives.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Network Leader
Justice Outside
Oakland, CA
01.2025 - Current
- Selected as a 2nd Cohort Member for a national leadership program advancing equity, justice, and environmental education.
- Engage in strategic learning, collaboration, and network-building with other leaders in outdoor access, environmental justice, and community-based initiatives.
- Develop and implement regional and statewide strategies to promote racial equity, environmental education, and inclusive outdoor experiences.
- Strengthen leadership, advocacy, and program development skills to support Forest Bath Miami's mission of connecting BIPOC communities to nature in meaningful ways.
Founder & Program Director
Forest Bath Miami
Miami, FL
01.2021 - Current
- Founded a community-driven organization focused on nature-based healing, eco-therapy, and environmental education.
- Planned and executed large-scale outdoor events, fundraising initiatives, and community outreach programs, ensuring seamless logistics, scheduling, and event coordination.
- Developed and led forest bathing, mindfulness, and wellness programs that support BIPOC communities in reclaiming their connection to nature.
- Managed volunteer teams, travel logistics, material preparation, and communication strategies to enhance community engagement.
- Partnered with grassroots organizations such as We Hike To Heal, Love The Everglades, Miami Workers Center, and Patch of Heaven Sanctuary, integrating advocacy, outreach, and stewardship practices.
Customer Service & Staff Development Coordinator
Sheridan Dental
MIami Beach, FL
03.2016 - Current
- Lead customer service operations, ensuring a seamless and positive client experience through clear communication and problem resolution.
- Manage high-volume email correspondence, scheduling, and administrative support, maintaining efficiency in daily office operations.
- Train and develop staff on customer service best practices, process efficiency, and patient engagement strategies to enhance service delivery.
- Oversee policy implementation, documentation accuracy, and compliance with office protocols to ensure consistency across the team.
- Provide team leadership and mentorship, fostering a professional, supportive, and solutions-oriented work environment.
- Utilize Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite for scheduling, reporting, and workflow coordination.
Nature-Based Program Facilitator
Patch Of Heaven
Miami, FL
01.2022 - 10.2024
- Led mindfulness-based eco-therapy programs, including forest bathing, ancestral healing practices, and environmental stewardship activities.
- Designed and facilitated Mindful Nature Guide training programs, equipping volunteers and community leaders with the skills to lead grounding practices, breathwork, and sensory-based nature immersion.
- Developed customized workshops and tools to enhance participants’ understanding of land stewardship, sustainability, and mindfulness in outdoor spaces.
- Managed community outreach, volunteer coordination, and event planning, ensuring smooth execution of retreats, workshops, and wellness events.
- Assisted in the development of biodiversity education programs to promote the restoration and protection of native ecosystems at Patch of Heaven’s 20-acre sanctuary.
- Collaborated with Patch of Heaven’s environmental team to promote sustainability initiatives, nature programming, and conservation strategies.
Education
Eco-Therapy - Nature Therapy
Forest Therapy School
Online/Virtual04-2022
Bachelor of Science - Business Marketing
MIAMI INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF ART AND DESIGN
Miami06-2006
Skills
- Program Coordination & Administration – Experienced in organizing events, workshops, and outreach programs with seamless execution
- Community Engagement & Volunteer Management – Builds strong relationships with diverse communities and coordinates volunteer initiatives
- Administrative Support – Skilled in scheduling, email correspondence, documentation, and office management
- Event Planning & Logistics – Manages event logistics, vendor coordination, and participant experience for in-person and virtual events
- Nature-Based Advocacy & Outdoor Leadership – Committed to land stewardship, sustainability, and eco-therapy initiatives
- Training & Facilitation – Develops and leads programs, workshops, and training for community and volunteer engagement
- Tech & Software Proficiency – Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and digital collaboration tools
- Communication & Public Speaking – Strong written and verbal communication skills for professional correspondence and presentations
Certification
- First Aid/CPR/ AED Certification
- Leave No Trace Certification
- Sprout Cohort Leadership Training, Justice Outside
- Certifications in Risk Management, Motivational Interviewing, & Outdoor Leadership
Languages
Spanish
Professional
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Network Leader
Justice Outside
01.2025 - Current
Nature-Based Program Facilitator
Patch Of Heaven
01.2022 - 10.2024
Founder & Program Director
Forest Bath Miami
01.2021 - Current
Customer Service & Staff Development Coordinator
Sheridan Dental
03.2016 - Current
Eco-Therapy - Nature Therapy
Forest Therapy School
Bachelor of Science - Business Marketing
MIAMI INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF ART AND DESIGN
Similar Profiles
JANET KILLGALLONJANET KILLGALLON
Manager – Whole of Government Initiatives Team at Youth Justice NSW, Dept. of Communities and JusticeManager – Whole of Government Initiatives Team at Youth Justice NSW, Dept. of Communities and Justice
Sanjay ShuklaSanjay Shukla
Administrative Clerk at Justice Nanavati and Justice Mehta, Commission of InquiryAdministrative Clerk at Justice Nanavati and Justice Mehta, Commission of Inquiry
Marija NikiforovaMarija Nikiforova
RN Staff Nurse at Justice Health New Grad Program, Justice HealthRN Staff Nurse at Justice Health New Grad Program, Justice Health
Mariedys Lopez ArencibiaMariedys Lopez Arencibia
Notary Public at Zory Immigration SolutionsNotary Public at Zory Immigration Solutions
Jimmy HernandezJimmy Hernandez
Sr Consulting Analyst at AccentureSr Consulting Analyst at Accenture