In this conversation, Rachel shares her journey from a challenging upbringing to her military service and the complexities of transitioning to civilian life. She discusses the impact of military sexual trauma, the importance of fitness in her healing process, and her experiences as a mother. Rachel emphasizes the need for resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of supporting one another, especially among women veterans. She offers insights into raising children with confidence and authenticity while navigating the challenges of body image and wellness.
ABOUT RACHEL:
At 19, Rachel enlisted as a human intelligence collector in the U.S. Army (2008–2012), deploying to Northern Afghanistan in 2010. During her service, she sustained a neck injury and experienced military sexual trauma and domestic violence, leaving her isolated and overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, PTSD, and an eating disorder. Motivated by her daughter’s watchful eyes, she gradually unraveled her pain, transforming herself into the mentor and role model she longed for.
Rachel’s relentless grit and integrity fueled her post-traumatic growth and shaped a successful career in social work. She has served diverse, vulnerable populations—veterans, system-involved families, special education students, survivors of abuse and homelessness—and currently works as a Victim Witness Specialist for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Maine. There, she provides trauma-informed, culturally sensitive support while advocating for criminal justice reform and shattering stigma around substance abuse, domestic violence, and homelessness.
Outside her professional role, Rachel is a devoted single mother of two, a fitness enthusiast, and a dancer who prioritizes both mental and physical wellness. Passionate about family, travel, cooking, and meaningful connections, she continually seeks to empower other women and mothers, sharing hard-won wisdom and encouraging the next generation of young female leaders.
IG: https://www.instagram.com/rachelelle72/
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