Hello, I'm Rachel.

I am currently a doctoral student pursuing a PhD in developmental psychology. I have been teaching children in a variety of settings for more than ten years, including early sign language instruction. I love watching children learn new things, build confidence, and grow in healthy, supportive environments. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, kayaking, and spending time outdoors observing nature and wildlife. I also love listening to music and going to concerts. My path hasn’t been simple. I grew up facing environmental struggles — times when stability, resources, and support weren’t always guaranteed. Those experiences shaped me in powerful ways. They taught me how to adapt, how to pay attention to the world around me, and how to find strength in unexpected places. Part of my story includes being dyslexic and having ADHD and OCD. These challenges shaped me, but they never stopped me. Instead, they taught me resilience, creativity, and determination. They helped me understand myself better and pushed me to keep going even when things were difficult. I know what it feels like to struggle, and I know what it feels like to overcome those struggles — and that has become one of the strongest parts of who I am. I continue to follow my curiosity in everything I do. I love learning, exploring, and finding meaning in the world around me. My journey has been shaped by nature, by challenges, and by the determination to keep growing no matter what.