Rachel is currently enrolled in UniSQ’s Master of Education (Guidance and Counselling), with an undergraduate degree in secondary teaching and a Master of Education (Early Childhood) already under her belt. When her eldest daughter was born with Down syndrome and her youngest daughter diagnosed with dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia, Rachel knew she would have to broaden her horizons as a teacher so she can become the best advocate for her daughters and for other students with learning disabilities.
Rachel has previously worked as a primary and senior secondary learning support teacher, and undertook her postgraduate program to specialise in her profession and work with school administrations in implementing approaches to mental health.
'I have two daughters in the most vulnerable position in education and I knew I needed to be their voice. If they needed someone to advocate for them, then other students would need me as well.'
Rachel is active in advocacy support groups for students in her district, as well as pre-service and beginning teacher mentor groups. She has aspirations to become a school Guidance Counsellor with the hope of influencing change in attitudes and practice towards student learning support.
