Rachael aspired to become involved with Child Advocates of Placer County due to the research she is studying for her thesis project, focusing on the relationship between stability and educational success for Former Foster Youth in California Community Colleges. She is inspired to learn more about the barriers foster youth face and become involved in creating positive change. Rachael holds a BA in Communication Studies with a minor in Psychology from San Jose State University. She is currently working on her MA in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at California State University, Sacramento, and will graduate in Spring 2020.

Rachael comes to us with a strong background in working for nonprofits, specializing in volunteer support. After working as the Volunteer Coordinator at Stand Up Placer, she transitioned to the Girl Scouts working directly with volunteer troop leaders. Developing a strong volunteer team and creating a platform for volunteers to make a positive impact would be the most meaningful outcome for her. Her goal is to create a waitlist of volunteers rather than a waitlist of youth needing CASAs.