Rachel first came to the EEC as a parent when her youngest child started preschool in the 2’s class.  She

quickly understood she had found a special school aligned with her philosophies as an educator and a

parent.  Her son thrived in the play-rich environment and Rachel loved the opportunities to co-op and take an

active role in his learning experience. Rachel especially appreciated the way the preschool supported their

whole family and provided opportunities to continue to learn and grow as a parent. Rachel is grateful to rejoin

the EEC community as the assistant teacher in The Hummingbird’s class.

Rachel grew up in the Boston area as the youngest of six children. She graduated from Princeton University

with a degree in cultural anthropology. Upon graduation, she took a job teaching English at Can Tho

University in Vietnam.  During this adventure, Rachel discovered she loved teaching. Upon returning home,

Rachel joined the New York City Teaching Fellows, which allowed her to earn her Master’s in Education at

Long Island University while teaching elementary school for the New York City Public Schools.  After teaching

for several years in Brooklyn, Rachel began working as an educational consultant focused on reading and

writing instruction.  She worked in various districts throughout the New York City Public Schools teaching

demonstration lessons, developing curriculum, and designing and implementing professional development

workshops for teachers and literacy coaches throughout New York City.

Eventually, Rachel relocated to Phoenix with her growing family. At this time, Rachel turned her focus toward

raising her children, volunteering in their classrooms as much as possible and experiencing education through

the lens of a parent. Whether as a parent or teacher, Rachel is endlessly curious about education and child

development and loves to ponder the ways we can empower and engage children in their learning. She is

thrilled to return to classroom teaching at the EEC and looks forward to collaborating with colleagues and

supporting families during this magical and pivotal time in their children’s development.

Rachel and her husband, Carter, have been married for 18 years and they have four sons. When Rachel is

not busy driving carpools, she loves to read, hike, ski and do pretty much anything active outdoors.