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Rachael grew up in Anadarko, Oklahoma, known as “Indian Capital of the Nation”, where more Native Americans reside per capita than anywhere in the world. Although she grew up with primarily the Plains Native Americans (Comanche, Kiowa, Apache), she is a proud member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

Rachael no longer lives in her hometown, but still visits often to patron local businesses and museums, and to spend time with her family members who still reside in Oklahoma.

Rachael recently moved from Texas to Illinois, where she lives with her husband and ever-energetic Golden Retriever, Taloa (Taloa means “to sing” in Choctaw), whose soul mission is to bring as many sticks and as much mud in the house as possible. Now empty nesters, her daughter graduated from Yale and resides in the northeast working in Cyber Security, and her stepson attends University of Arkansas (go, Bulldogs and go, Razorbacks!).

Rachael formerly served on the Board of the American Indian Center of Indiana (AICI) and also led the AICI Youth Advisory Board with her daughter, raising awareness about Native American issues, history and culture and promoting volunteer and fundraising opportunities.

Rachael holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Butler University and spent 20 years performing as a trained opera singer. She was the youngest recipient of the Young Talent Award from the Metropolitan Opera at the age of 19, was a multiple year winner of the National Association of Teachers of Singing opera competitions and more.

Rachael also spent 16 years as a local and national talent for commercials, infomercials, radio engagements and public relations. She also worked in public relations for the Indianapolis Colts as the Publicist for the book, The Rise of the Blue Nation and led a team promoting the Colts Business Alliance. In addition, Rachael was a weekly Dating and Relationships Columnist and relationships counselor for 4 years.

Rachael currently works in software sales for technology companies where she has sold to the Texas, Oklahoma and other markets since 2009.

She still considers herself a clumsy stickball player, a “work in progress” as a speaker of the Choctaw language and a knowledge seeker of her tribe’s history and culture (she thanks her ancestors for being patient with her as she improves over time).

Her great grandmother, Ella who was a big influence in her life, is felt in Rachael’s heart every day. She is the driving force for Rachael’s mission to share Ella’s stories and that of all of our Native ancestors in order to promote education, respect and understanding of our Indigenous people.