A native of Iowa, Rachel earned her bachelor's degree from the Eastman School of Music where she was also awarded a Certificate in the Catherine Filene Shouse Arts Leadership Program (ALP). Through the ALP program, Rachel interned with both the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and the ESM Media and Public Relations Department. Additionally at Eastman, she performed and presented educational outreach programs extensively with her woodwind quintet, and participated in a variety of summer music festivals, including the Chautauqua Festival and the Ohio Light Opera Company Orchestra. Rachel has recorded a Steve Reich album on Cantaloupe Records, and a variety of light operas with Newport Classics.

Currently, Rachel is Director of Entrepreneurial Musicianship at New England Conservatory, creating and implementing a brand new department at the school. Prior to this appointment, she worked three and a half years as Director of Strategic Planning Engagement with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. In Atlanta her work focused on the strategic management of board governance and institutional culture, and she also served as project manager for the Grand Opening of the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, subsequently managing the ASO's inaugural summer season at the venue.

Rachel came to the ASO from the 2005-2006 class of the League of American Orchestras' Orchestra Management Fellowship Program. She managed the American Academy of Conducting Orchestra at the Aspen Music Festival, and worked with the senior leadership of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, South Dakota Symphony, and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Prior to the Fellowship Program, Rachel worked two seasons as Artistic and Production Assistant with the Houston Symphony, managing guest artists, acting as video producer for classical and family programs, and worked on selected artistic projects, including collaborating with Music Director Hans Graf for a video instillation of Stravinsky's complete Firebird.

Throughout her administrative career, Rachel has kept her inspiration for her work by maintaining a teaching and performing career in Houston, Atlanta, and now Boston. She enjoys working with students of all ability levels, including complete beginners. She has helped students with classical repertoire as well as basic popular material.