"Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21
Dr. Vanessa Johnston has been at East Texas Baptist University since 2019 and currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Speech-Language Pathology. Prior to her role as an assistant professor, she served in the Office of Academic Success and as an Adjunct Professor at ETBU. Vanessa earned a Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from The University of Texas-Dallas, a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Baylor University, a Master of Education in Special Education from Stephen F. Austin State University, and a Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. Vanessa holds a Texas Speech-Language Pathology License and a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She is a member of the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association, where she serves on two committees, and is a member of the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
Prior to joining ETBU, Vanessa worked primarily as a school-based speech-language pathologist in the DFW area, with experience in home health and a pediatric private practice. She has served both as a clinical fellowship supervisor and a graduate student supervisor, mentoring future clinicians as they develop their skills. Her scholarly interests focus on the mental well-being of SLPs and SLP students. She has presented at both the state and national levels on topics including mindfulness, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, stress, burnout, and self-compassion as they relate to speech-language pathology, as well as on clinical supervision and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students. Vanessa has a passion for teaching, mentoring, and encouraging students as they pursue God’s calling in their lives.