Rachel was born and raised in Idaho where she grew up hiking in the Sawtooths. After completing a BS and MS in sociology at Brigham Young University, she taught at the University of Utah and Westminster College. She is a Certified Environmental Educator in Utah and Certified Interpretive Trainer for the National Association for Interpretation. Rachel taught field courses in Yellowstone and worked in program management for the Yellowstone Association. In her free time, she enjoys running, backpacking, cross-country skiing, and Irish dancing.