Rachel is passionate about building community connections and brings a wealth of experiences with her to JFS. In her new role, Rachel will focus on creating a wealth of volunteer experiences by matching organizational needs to volunteer passion, building connections and growing community.
She is an Elementary Educator, Mentor, and Instructional Coach, an America Achieves National Fellow, and serves as Director of Volunteers for the Freihofer’s Run for Women. A dedicated lifelong learner and avid reader, Rachel earned her MEd at Antioch New England Graduate School. She is a recognized expert in Jewish Family and Children’s programming as a recipient of the prestigious Belin Award.
At home in Niskayuna, Rachel brings her love for her community to her volunteer work as Co-Chair of Niska-Day, and to the Aviation Youth Camp she created. Creativity is Rachel’s core strength, as seen in her beautiful perennial gardens and in the sweet 3D cake creations for which she is famous. Rachel loves bringing people together over delicious organic food, playing tennis, and by hosting celebrations. She draws inspiration from meeting people and learning their stories.
Rachel values her family and her friends who have become family. She is deeply proud of her four daughters and loves traveling the world and with her husband Jay. At home you will find her cuddling with her three fur babies, Moishe, Mallory, and Murphy. Next on Rachel’s to-do list is to become a certified scuba diver and to obtain her pilot’s license.