Vanessa Ephraim Sanders-Thrive Coach

Vanessa Ephraim Sanders brings over two decades of experience in the social work profession to her role as a Success Coach at ELI. Armed with a Master's in Social Work from The University of Alabama and dual bachelor's degrees in Human Development & Family Studies from UAB and Social Work from The University of Alabama, Vanessa is deeply passionate about empowering families to achieve their goals and serving as a beacon of hope in their lives.

With a firm belief in holistic living, Vanessa is committed to removing barriers and equipping families with the tools they need to thrive. Outside of her work at ELI, Vanessa wears many hats as a devoted mother to her two children, a caretaker to her dog Buddy and cat Frodo, and a steward of a bustling homestead that includes 15 chickens and an impressive 5,000 honey bees. An avid beekeeper, herbalist, and farmer, Vanessa's dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship shines through in her everyday life.

Joining ELI has been a breath of fresh air for Vanessa, who resonates deeply with the organization's values and holistic approach to community development. She is excited to see where her journey with ELI will take her and is grateful for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. If Vanessa were a superhero, her superpower would be healing families in need—a testament to her unwavering commitment to serving others and fostering positive change.