Rachelle is the founder and lead guide of Rise Up Retreats RVA. While originally from Northern Virginia, she gained a lot of her outdoor adventuring skills and passions in Alaska. She spent 8 years plus several summers throughout the state and grew her love of hiking and her outdoor confidence. With a BS in Wildlife Biology and Conservation, she had unique field experiences working in remote areas that has given her a wide range of field experience.

Her first mountain peak she climbed to was Barometer mountain on Kodiak Island. At the time she had very little doubt in her abilities, but an encounter along the trail changed everything. Not only did she want to prove a fellow doubting hiker wrong, but she wanted to prove to herself that she could. And she did! Now she wants that experience for all women! The view from the top never disappoints!

Rachelle continued to pursue education by getting her Masters in Education and taught 6th Grade Science in Richmond Public Schools for 3 years. Here she got to learn more about the James River Ecosystem while she was teaching her students.

Rachelle has taken classes in Outdoor Leadership, Wilderness First Aid, CPR. as well as a background in Bear Safety. She has had 4 + years as a Rewired Mindset member where she continues to be coached on her mindset and how to help others. She combines her knowledge of nature with her understanding for mindset work, and wraps it all up on the trail through her passion for teaching and connecting with others through their stories.

When she is not on the trails, Rachelle enjoys curling up with her cat in the sun, drinking coffee listening to birds, and reading a good fantasy or memoir book. She is married to her amazing husband who proposed on one of her favorite hikes- Humpback Rocks. While an introvert at heart, she loves celebrating everyone she meets. She is a proud Christian and strives to always make everyone feel welcome and safe on the trail. Only select hikes have a Christian theme for those that would prefer that. Want more of something? Just Ask!

See you on the trail xoxo🥾🥾💜

That first mountain hike in Kodiak, AK

Hiking with ladies from her rugby team in AK

A hike that resulted in a windy and rainy summit but it was worth this photo

Leading ladies on a Rise Up Retreats trail walk