Exceptionally organized, Rachel is always juggling a host of priorities—which is just how she likes it. A hardworking team player, she invests deeply into preparing for professional development that will make a difference for both teachers and students.

Although Rachel hadn’t always planned to be an educator, her experience as a cadet teacher during the last semester of high school solidified her desire to make a difference in the world. To that end, she adjusted her college plans and chose to attend Ball State University where she earned her BA in Elementary Education and later secured a Master’s in Reading and Literacy Instruction.

With a degree in hand, Rachel began her career at the elementary school she attended as a child in northwest Indiana. When love and a new opportunity presented itself, Rachel moved to the other corner of the state and began a 10-year opportunity with East Allen County Schools in Fort Wayne, IN.

During her time at East Allen, Rachel was the beneficiary of a broad range of experiences. In this diverse urban and suburban district, she taught a variety of grades and subjects, led building-level professional development, and even volunteered to lead her grade level’s all-virtual classroom.

In her role as a literacy consultant with Smekens Education, Rachel offers professional development for teachers through on-site school visits, virtual training, and remote coaching.

She and her husband, Garret (also an educator), live in Fort Wayne, IN and are always up for an adventure with family and friends. They also give lots of lovin’ to their dog, Mia Ray, a spunky boxer/lab mix.