Meet Our Fellow

Vanessa Kibathi, PA-C, MPAS (she/her)
Primary Care Psychiatry Fellow 

Vanessa is a dedicated and compassionate Kenyan-American who has a deep passion for mental health advocacy. She embarked on her academic journey at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where she obtained her bachelor's degree in public health with a minor in biological studies. Driven by her commitment to improving community health through medicine, she pursued a master's degree in physician assistant studies (PA) at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) in Worcester, MA. 

Vanessa's professional interests are diverse and encompass a wide range of mental health issues, including substance use disorders, major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and trauma-informed care. Her dedication to these areas is fueled by a strong belief in the importance of addressing mental health with a comprehensive, empathetic approach. Vanessa is particularly invested in anti-racism and anti-oppression initiatives, understanding that systemic barriers often impede access to quality mental health care for marginalized communities. 

As a devoted Christian, Vanessa's faith plays a significant role in her commitment to service and compassion in her professional practice. Her dedication to giving back to the community and helping underserved populations has been a guiding force throughout her career. This dedication has led her to join our fellowship focused on primary care psychiatry, where she is eager to expand her knowledge and skills. Vanessa is enthusiastic about the opportunity to deepen her understanding of mental health care and enhance her ability to provide holistic, patient-centered care. 

Through this fellowship, she looks forward to broadening her expertise and continuing to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who are often overlooked in the healthcare system. Vanessa’s ultimate goal is to bridge the gap in mental health services and ensure that all individuals receive the compassionate, comprehensive care they deserve.


This year, FHCW is also hosting three recently-graduated PMHNPs through a fellowship funded by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services and administered by the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers and the UMass Chan Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing. These PMHNP fellows (from left to right, Shaleece Selden, Neuza Fernandes Eugene, and Edmund Adem) have been integrated into our existing fellowship structure and curriculum, providing a dynamic and multidisciplinary learning experience to the benefit of all learners.