Dr. Vanessa McPhail has worked in the field of education for 15 years in a variety of roles, including teacher, resource teacher, and administrative intern. She currently serves Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) as the Community Affairs Specialist in the Diversity, Equity and Poverty (DEP) Department.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Indiana University, her Master of Arts and teaching from Bellarmine University. She also received her master of arts in Instructional Leadership and School Administration from Bellarmine University. She earned her doctorate of education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership from the University of Louisville. Her research interests include Black girls and school discipline, and Restorative Practice talking circles in alternative schools. Dr. McPhail is the proud mother of two daughters, Kennedi and Kendall.