Rachel M. Email & Phone Number

If my life were a Venn diagram, I would be nestled in the intersection between people and the planet from the beginning. My passions and strengths shine brightest when I learn from various perspectives, identify potential actions, detail plans, and collaborate with others to achieve our goals.Currently, I work as a Sustainability Project Coordinator for the Southwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership through Climate Impact Corps. In this role, I make a positive impact in rural areas, specifically underserved communities, by coordinating projects that promote social and environmental resilience. The outreach work I've done with energy efficiency and assistance programs address energy burden in communities throughout southwest Minnesota.I spent six fulfilling years in public education and two years in youth development. In my science classroom, I encouraged students to pursue their interests while being active participants in their education. As part of my action research project in my Master’s degree program, I developed a system of self-monitoring for progress that allowed students to identify their mastery of skills, informing how I could individualize their learning.While teaching, I also served as the Science Curriculum Leader and co-facilitator for our professional learning team. I gained leadership and facilitation experience, and was grateful to represent rural schools on a MN Department of Education panel on new science standards implementation. Beyond these roles, I led our after-school science club, coached JO volleyball, and taught summer school for science credit recovery.It is no surprise I find myself seeking positions that serve communities and their environments. As a kid growing up on my parents’ farm in western Minnesota, you could find me wandering the prairie with some kind of nature atlas. Now, I find myself encouraging similar behaviors in young people. I enjoy coaching a local YES! (Youth Eco Solutions) Team, where I facilitate youth-driven eco projects…and I might be broadly known for my impromptu dragonfly lessons.As a member of the League of Women Voters, I am on the planning committee for an inaugural event to bring our community together around actions for a bright, sustainable future. I consider gardening to be an all-seasons sport, and if I can’t be on the trails with my dog and husband, I would easily settle for reading some good non-fiction or being on the court with my women's volleyball team.That's me in a nutshell! Reach out and connect if you’d like to learn more!