Vanessa Sievewright
Vanessa Sievewright, M.A., CCC-SLP, is the founder and CEO of Twice Exceptional Foundation, a nonprofit focused on dismantling systemic barriers that perpetuate educational inequities for students with language-based learning disorders. Recognizing that public education often lacks the resources and specificity needed to address the diverse needs of these students, Vanessa is committed to driving systemic change through comprehensive evaluations, targeted interventions, and evidence-based practices. She advocates for a shift from the traditional “one-size-fits-all” approach to an individualized model that ensures all students, especially those from underserved communities, receive the support they need to achieve their full potential. Under her leadership, The Twice Exceptional Foundation strives to close the education gap by transforming how schools identify and address learning challenges, promoting a future where every child has equal access to quality education.
Experience
With over 17 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist specializing in language-based learning disorders, stuttering, apraxia, and executive functioning. She has worked extensively with public schools to improve services for low-income and neurodiverse students and has served as a Medicaid provider and ASHA liaison to Colorado Health Care Policy and Finance. Vanessa's expertise in developing and implementing targeted, evidence-based interventions and her dedication to educational equity have made her a leader in the field, driving meaningful change for students with diverse learning needs.
Journey of Resilience
Vanessas journey is one of resilience and determination. Diagnosed with multiple language and learning disorders as a child, she faced an education system that often overlooked her needs. Guided by a mother who fought for her right to comprehensive support, Vanessa overcame these challenges through perseverance and specialized interventions. Her experiences have fueled her commitment to ensuring that all students, regardless of their learning challenges, receive the support they need to succeed, driving her work to create equitable opportunities in education.
Educator and Mentor
Dedicated mentor who empowers speech-language pathologists, assistants, and educators and specialists to better serve students with language-based learning disorders. Drawing from her own experiences and expertise as a speech-language pathologist and language-based learning disorder specialist, she provides guidance and support to practitioners, helping them understand the neurobiological basis of disorders to implement targeted, effective interventions. Vanessa’s mentorship fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment where professionals are equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and tools needed to make a meaningful impact on the lives of every learner they support.