About Me

Vanessa, a proud third-generation showbiz kid, was raised in San Diego, where her passion for musical theatre flourished. After high school, she showcased her talent alongside Shirley Jones and toured with Randy Sparks and the Backporch Majority, fueling her drive for excellence in the performing arts. She established herself as a skilled Foley artist, sound editor, and voice actor, making a notable appearance on “Late Night with David Letterman.” With a Master’s degree in Divinity in hand, she returned to her musical roots and teaching, wrote the first book on the art and craft of Foley (The Foley Grail)  and earned her Ph.D. in Film Studies from Georgia State University. After concluding her Endowed Chair in Telecommunications at Ball State University, she has continued to use her wide expertise in film, music, and education, all while confidently presenting her first play, "Holy Foley!" and helming her podcast series "Whole-y Foley."