Ms. Rachael joined the MDE School teaching staff in 2026 after several years of working with children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Before joining MDE, she worked as both a Pre-K teacher and a Direct Support Professional, experiences that strengthened her passion for creating individualized learning environments where every student can succeed. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Development from the University of Texas at Tyler, where she also completed extensive coursework in psychology and communication.
Ms. Rachael’s passion for special education is deeply personal. “Growing up, I had learning differences that weren’t recognized at the time, including dyslexia, ADD, and a stutter. Instead of being encouraged to find my voice, I often felt like it was easier to stay quiet. Those experiences shaped the kind of teacher I want to be. I strive to create a classroom where every child feels heard, understood, supported, and where they are always met exactly where they are.”
At the heart of Ms. Rachael’s teaching philosophy is building genuine relationships with her students. She believes every behavior is a form of communication and enjoys discovering how each student learns best. By building trust and understanding each child’s unique strengths and needs, she hopes to help her students grow in confidence, independence, and a love of learning.
Outside of school, Ms. Rachael enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, gardening, and spending time with her cats. She is excited to be part of the MDE family and looks forward to learning and growing alongside her students each day.
