After graduating from the University of Tennessee with her BA in Spanish, Rachel found her passion for empowering at-risk youth when she started as an assistant director for an after school program in San Diego. There she designed after school clubs that encouraged teens to spend their free time harnessing valuable life skills and finding their best selves.

She then went on to serve as the manager of operations for an educational nonprofit in Chicago where she was able to coordinate district-wide programs to provide food and educational resources for the families within that community.

Most recently, Rachel worked with youth in the juvenile justice and foster care systems as their family team facilitator. There she was responsible for coordinating resources for teens about to exit the system, and ensuring they were set up for success as they became independent.

Born and raised in East Tennessee, and now very happy to be back, Rachel has spent the last several years moving from state to state as her husband was formerly active duty Navy. They are both so glad to settle back into the Smokies with their son and two dogs.

When she’s able to snag a moment of free time, Rachel enjoys finding the best iced coffee, rewatching a favorite show on Netflix, or embarking on a long, quiet drive with a good podcast.