In their twenties, Rachel left the church of their youth, embarking on a spiritual journey that led to an evolving theology centered around connection and the spaces between. Influenced by personal study of Buddhism and a profound engagement with Octavia Butler’s Earthseed series, Rachel resonates with Earthseed’s guiding principle that “God is change,” and the folk singer Ani DiFranco’s lyric, “God’s work isn’t done by God, it’s done by people.” These ideas shape Rachel’s firm conviction in the responsibility to work for justice, grounded in the inherent worth and dignity of every person and the interconnectedness of all life.

As a Unitarian Universalist (UU), Rachel is committed to the ongoing development of their personal theology and spiritual practices. They identified as a UU in 2014 and soon felt called to ministry. In 2020, they were accepted into divinity school and granted aspirant status by the Unitarian Universalist Association. After beginning seminary at Meadville Lombard Theological School in 2021, Rachel took a pause to focus on raising their children before returning to to school in the summer of 2024

Rachel is encouraged by colleagues and friends to embrace the title of “minister” as they continue their path toward ordination. In the meantime, they serve as a preacher and speaker for UU congregations, often finding joy in worshiping with fellow UUs and sharing their message with new communities. They also serve as president of the board of directors for First Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashville, co-founded and co-organize QDP (a longstanding LGBTQIA social and community event), co-organize the East Nashville Queer Parents community group, and volunteer regularly at Middle Tennessee’s Camp Bluebird, a twice-yearly retreat for adults living with cancer.

A writer at heart, Rachel has maintained an online presence since 1999, using this platform as a creative outlet to document their thoughts and explore ideas.

Rachel is also a passionate reader, knitter, vinyl record collector, and lover of live theater. With a background in theater and women’s studies, they hold a Liberal Studies degree—what they call a degree in “everything and nothing at the same time.” Professionally, Rachel works in organizational communications, with experience spanning marketing, operations in the tech industry, and a brief foray into vinyl record production.