Rachael is a macro-focused clinical social worker focusing on trauma-conscious practices in design. She is the founder and chief compassion officer for Social Workers Who Design, a consultancy focused on integrating ethical understanding and trauma-conscious approaches in design. She is a two-time alumna of UIUC, where she studied Sociology and Social Work.
Rachael has pursued studies on trauma-informed design research as part of UIUC’s MFA program. She is currently taking a break from her MFA program to focus on design practice and the writing of two books (forthcoming in 2023 and 2024).
Rachael has been a social worker in the federal government and higher education, with an emphasis on healthcare and housing advocacy with Veterans and social service agencies, macro and clinical preparation with social work students, and human-centered design teaching with a range of engaged learners. She has served as an AmeriCorps member, NGO delegate to the Human Rights Council, and as an appointed statewide Commissioner with Serve Illinois.
