About Me
Rachel‘s life experiences have prepared her as an exciting and dynamic speaker. She graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor’s degree in education and taught for 29 years at the middle and high school level. Her last few years she was moved into a position where she gave many presentations to large groups of teachers and staff preparing them for new technology and programs to help enhance their teaching expertise.
Rachel also coached throughout her teaching career being a successful motivator of student athletes and gained the respect of coaches and athletes worldwide. One of her most memorable presentation was to coaches from around the world at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.
She was forced to retire from teaching when a diagnosis of Parkinson’s took its toll on her and she could no longer perform at the level expected of her.
Rachel struggled all her life with gender identity issues and lived most of her adult life as a male until in the depths of depression she could no longer live with the conflict inside her. The transition process is a long, expensive, mentally and painful task that not only affects one’s self but family and friends also.
Rachel now shares her life’s journey with others in hopes to educate all who may be involved with the lives of:
- A gender challenged person.
- Those living with severe depression
- Anyone who makes diagnosis and the devastating mental affects it can have on an individual if not presented in a sensitive and educational way.
Testimonials
University of Oregon February 7th 2012
“You spoke to our psychology of gender class yesterday at UofO. I have to tell you that your life story impacted me in so many ways and you truly have changed my way of thinking and looking at the world forever. You inspire me and have changed my life for the better. I felt so saddened for you when hearing all of the life struggles you have faced yet i am so happy for you that you overcame obstacles that most would not. I have never had an experience quit like last night. I am not usually deeply touched or moved by much, i am not a sensitive person but your story had me in tears and i want to say i am very proud of you. I think you will do so much for this world by simply spreading your word and get people to open their eyes and mind. Thank you for what you have done for me. I wish you the best of luck in your life.”
Jacquie Gillen
psy380
“Rachel’s story left my students with a life changing experience, her presentation was professional, emotional and very informative. I would put her presentation in the top five of all presenters I have experienced.”
Sandee S. Nebel, M.S.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Adjunct Psychology Professor at Valencia College
University of Oregon 2012
“You gave a presentation in my class today, and I just wanted to let you know how great it was! It was very inspirational! Thank you for opening up to my class, I really appreciate it! P.s. you are a beautiful women!”
Haley
Scott Rohlf, LMHC
Speaking
Rachel was blessed with skills to educate others, when she speaks people are drawn into what she has to say. Depending on the subject she can modify her presentation for the specific group she will speak to.
Attendees
- Will be able to identify and discuss both internal and external pain one goes through when dealing with gender identity issues and the emotional trauma family members encounter when facing such issues.
- Will be able to list the basic steps (Harry Benjamin Standard of Care) to help guide a person changing their gender so the transition process becomes less stressful and help keep them from harm’s way throughout the transition process.
- To discuss the importance of cognitive behavioral therapy in the treatment of clients they may encounter who are dealing with gender identity issues.
- Will become aware and recognize the seriousness associated with a misdiagnosis and the ramification that power of suggestion has on a person.