A native of South Dakota, Rachel has lived in Alabama most of her life.   She holds two degrees from the University of Montevallo, and has served as a teacher and guidance counselor for over 38 years. She is retired from the Hoover City Schools. In addition to her professional roles, she has served on the naming committee at Prince of Peace Catholic Church.

Rachel participates in a monthly reading club, enjoys working in her yard, and most of all, enjoys spending time with her grandchildren. She is the aunt of Laura Crandall Brown, and promoting awareness of ovarian cancer is a primary focus in her life.