Rachel grew up in Dallas, Texas, a far cry from any wilderness. After graduating from Texas A&M with a degree in psychology, she quickly sought the refuge of the White Mountains and, between climbing, hiking and cycling, managed to earn a master's degree in counseling from Boston College. After a few years teaching science and outdoor education, Rachel moved west to instruct for NOLS. As a hiking and climbing instructor, Rachel has an appreciation for dislocations, athletic injuries, wounds, and other bodily injuries. Rachel currently lives with her dog in Salt Lake City, UT where she is training to be a physician assistant. In hypothetical spare time Rachel spends her time playing guitar, and playing outside with her dog.