Vanessa Hadden, LCSW-BACS

Director of Programs

Vanessa Hadden is originally from Tuscaloosa, AL. She graduated from Holt High School then earned a Bachelor’s Degree in 1996 and A Master’s Degree in 1999, both from the School of Social Work at the University of Alabama. Ms. Hadden focused on Services to Children, Youth, and Families in specialty studies. She is currently earning a Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) from the University of Kentucky and anticipates graduating in May, 2027.

Ms. Hadden has extensive experience in her field including early roles with Child Protective Services in both foster care case management and abuse/neglect investigations in multiple Alabama counties. During these years, she developed a strong foundation in child welfare, crisis intervention, and systems-based practice.  he subsequently spent over a decade practicing as a psychotherapist working with diverse populations, and gained extensive experience in assessment, treatment planning, and long-term therapeutic work.

Throughout this time, Ms. Hadden pursued advanced training in trauma-informed care and attachment theory, which developed a clinical lens that emphasizes safety and resilience. Recently, she has used these years of experience to help shape clinical programs and evidence-based treatment work for long-term youth housed at FPJDC. She is particularly interested in program development initiatives that equip youth with practical skills and supports to promote post-release success and reduce recidivism.

Outside of her role with FPJDC, Ms. Hadden is currently focusing on her academic work at UKY, where she is concentrating her doctoral studies on Administrative Leadership. She is the mother to two young adult children, with whom she enjoys trips to Disney World, and road trips to the beach. She enjoys running and yoga, lakefront walks with her dog, Samson, and reading historical non-fiction.

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Email: vhadden@fpjdc.org