Rachel has always been drawn to people with special abilities. She started out by forming friendships with people of various abilities in school, and enjoyed Special Week as a camp counselor in college. After earning her bachelor's degree in secondary education, she substituted in special education classrooms, then built a career in healthcare marketing and communications. Through it all, a thread of connection to the special needs community ran quietly through her life.

That thread led her to Friday Night Out in 2020, when she helped the organization pivot to online events during the early days of the pandemic. As a volunteer, Rachel experienced firsthand the genuine friendships, sense of community, and deep connection that Friday Night Out creates. She attended in-person events in California and knew she was part of something meaningful.

In February 2024, Rachel launched the Spring Hill, Tennessee chapter of Friday Night Out, and has witnessed the impact of building friendships and community one Friday at a time.