Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Harris.
Hi Vanessa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a proud New Yorker from the Bronx, born to West Indian immigrants. My parents worked hard to provide better opportunities for our family. But as the youngest in a blended family that didn’t get along, I often found myself the peacemaker. Trying to help everyone in the family understand each other.
It felt overwhelming, which led to wanting to become a pediatrician like my own, Dr. Greenstein. He was the best at letting kids know they’re cared for, even if it feels like no one at home does.
When I became a doctor, I learned the key role moms play in their child’s health and well-being. The mothers who didn’t understand that made it difficult for me to care for their children. So, I also pursued preventive medicine to improve child health on a mass scale.
Things changed while expecting my first child with my husband, then an officer in the United States Coast Guard. I realized, for my child’s well-being, it made more sense to stay home to raise my own children. Why move from job to job, hoping to change the lives of children I wouldn’t see?
It’s not the choice all women would or could make. And the choice cost me a lot. But it’s been great for my family.
My experience as a stay-at-home mom of 3, my personal growth and my medical expertise are the foundation of the work I do now to help women make peace with themselves and foster that peace in their family relationships.
When I look at my family compared to the one I grew up in, I appreciate how far I’ve come.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been smooth at all! I know what it’s like to have a dream no one believes in but you. The path to becoming a physician is challenging enough. Doing it while everyone, including your family, doubts you, makes it even harder.
Then there’s the coursework, testing if you’re as smart as you think, and the rigors of residency training. The road’s been bumpy.
But nothing compares to all the days I wondered if I made the right choice—sacrificing so much for the unknown. No one knows how their children will turn out and if their investment in them will seem worth it in the end.
That’s where I used my natural persistence to lean into my faith in Jesus and His promises. It made all the difference.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’ve written several books. The first is DADDY’s Girl Forever. A book I wrote for women like me who know the pain of growing up with a distant or absent father and need to anchor their confidence as an adult. I’m grateful for the many women it’s helped heal.
I also enjoy offering community service on YouTube through my videos that provide guidance for healthier, happier family relationships.
Now that we’re down to one teen at home, I’m developing my family dynamics consulting business. Family dynamics are the forces at work in a family that positively or negatively affect its growth. And I work with women to find and fix the attitudes and actions causing drama in their family. Teaching communication skills is a big part of it.
My entire life’s journey sets me apart.
As a child, being the family peacemaker. Forgiving my mom, as an adult. My understanding of child development and the parallels between physical and emotional healing. All of it equips me in empowering women wanting a healthier dynamic in their family.
Not one bit of my life has gone to waste.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
As a lifelong learner, I enjoy following successful business owners, like Pat Flynn, and motivational speakers, like Lisa Nichols, on YouTube. Comedians, interior designers, and fashionistas too—because life is to be enjoyed.
I love being a part of Chrystal Evans Hurst’s community, The Sister Circle, and I listen to books on healing and communication. Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss gives great insight on communication. But my number one read will always be the Bible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://iamvanessaharris.com
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@vanessaharrismd
- Other: https://motherhoodunmasked.com
