Vanessa Bentley is a member of the Investigation, Hearing, and Appeal Services Team at Grand River Solutions. In addition to conducting investigations, Vanessa also serves as a process and hearing advisor for Title IX matters.

Vanessa has more than 12 years of experience working in different roles in higher education. Prior to joining Grand River Solutions, she worked at Cornell University, initially as a Police Officer and then as an Equity and Title IX Investigator within the Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX. As an Equity and Title IX Investigator, Vanessa conducted initial assessments, drafted notices of investigation and no contact orders, and investigated allegations of prohibited discrimination, protected status harassment, and sexual and related misconduct by and against students, staff, and faculty. She also served as the office’s law enforcement liaison and provided Title IX training and informational sessions to local law enforcement agencies.

Vanessa is certified in trauma interviewing using the FETI technique, and has conducted hundreds of interviews with complainants, respondents, and witnesses. Vanessa held various ancillary duties within the Cornell Police Department, and was a certified Field Training Officer, with additional instructor certifications in domestic violence, physical fitness, and defensive tactics.

Vanessa received her bachelor’s and master degrees in sociology and criminal justice, respectively, from the University at Albany. Vanessa splits her time between Florida and the Finger Lakes region in New York.