Rachel is a dedicated professional with over a decade of experience working with Utah teens, both personally and professionally. As a licensed foster parent, trauma educator with Trauma-Informed Utah, certified Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), and former high school teacher, she has gained extensive experience working with youth in Utah.

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Rachel is the Founder and Executive Director of Common Thread, a nonprofit organization focused on helping teens impacted by foster care and other adverse experiences. She holds a Master’s degree in Psychology with a specialization in Child and Adolescent Development. Her thesis explored the effects of trauma on brain function and behavior. With a passion for integrating the latest trauma research into practice, Rachel is committed to fostering healing and connection and building more resources for young people in Utah.

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Rachel is a mother to two young children and a bonus mom to multiple teenagers. Striving to care for and support these teens as they navigated extremely difficult realities with very little support is how Common Thread originated. She founded Common Thread in May of 2022—an organization and growing community centered on supporting local teens who have experienced adversity.