Rachael brings over 15 years of public policy experience, advancing state-level legislative, regulatory, and policy initiatives in behavioral health, health occupations, disabilities, and education.

As a Senior Consultant at BBS, Rachael provides strategic support to government agencies to enhance behavioral health systems of care, including strategic planning, project management, and interagency initiatives. Prior to joining BBS, Rachael served as the Director of Research and Policy Development at Public Policy Partners in Maryland, where she expanded the scope of practice and reimbursement for health professionals and significantly increased state-funding for school health services after 20-plus years of flat funding.  Rachael has also served as the Director of Government Affairs and Communications at the Maryland Department of Health’s Behavioral Health Administration, where she managed the development of statutory and regulatory rules for the creation of the agency and integration of mental health and substance use disorder service.  Rachael also served as the Director of Interagency Affairs at Maryland’s Department of Disabilities. In 2020, the Maryland Daily Record named Rachael among their annual VIP List - Very Important Professionals Successful by 40 for her advocacy in promoting school health services as part of the state’s education reform efforts. 

Rachael holds a Master in Social Work (MSW) from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, with a specialization in Social Action and Community Development. Rachael lives in Bokeelia, FL with her husband and two children.  She enjoys traveling, boating, and gardening.