About         Rachel

I grew up with several close relatives who suffered with severe mental illness and cognitive disabilities. At a young age I noticed just how much of a need for mental health services there is. Before I was in high school, I was familiar with conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar, and autism spectrum disorder. Helping with my relatives gave me personal insight and enhanced empathy for those struggling with mental health disorders. For as long as I can remember, I have felt a personal responsibility to advocate and fight for those who are struggling with these conditions.  

I started my work as a case worker for a small company in San Diego that worked as a vendor for San Diego Regional Center. It was in working for this company that I saw firsthand how case management and coaching can significantly impact a person’s mental health journey. I worked for this company for four years before moving to Los Angeles where I began work with another coaching and case management company. I’ve been working with that company for ten years now. Hobbies and interests have occasionally steered my attention in other directions, but for the past fourteen years, my heart has kept me in the mental health field. 

Advocating for my family and my own experiences with ADHD and depression have given me real-life experience that are invaluable. My background has given me a profound appreciation of the stigma associated with mental illness and disability. This motivates me to create a supportive and therapeutic environment for my clients that combats stigma and promotes acceptance. I’ve developed resilience and patience over the years, and a deep desire to serve my community by helping people learn how to navigate mental illness in their life. I believe that mental illness does not define a person, rather it is a hurdle that a person needs to learn how to jump over. I am the coach that helps that person train to clear those hurdles.