About Vanessa

Vanessa Sandoval

Head of SAP LTCC

Hi, I’m Vanessa Sandoval, the head of the Student Advocacy Program (SAP) at Lake Tahoe Community College. I believe that mental health is just as important as anything else and that every student deserves access to support, resources, and a community that truly listens. Too many students suffer in silence, feeling overlooked or dismissed and that needs to change. SAP exists to amplify student voices and create a space where real issues are addressed, especially those that often go ignored. Through our work, our team is focused on providing mental health resources, peer support, and a safe place where students can feel seen, heard, and valued. Many of us in SAP have needed these resources ourselves, and that lived experience drives our passion to help others. My goal as the head of SAP is to promote understanding, equity, and empowerment. I want students to know that advocacy starts with speaking up, not just for others, but for yourself. We’re here to prove that young people have the power to make change, and that healing and justice go hand in hand. Together, we’re building a campus culture where mental wellness is prioritized, stigma is challenged, and every voice matters.