Rachael, originally from central Massachusetts, graduated Summa Cum Laude from Dominican University of California with a BFA in Dance Performance, and is currently pursuing her M.Ed. from Northeastern University. Rachael began at MAIA in 2017 as a Student Advisor, and became the Director of Student Services in June of 2018. 

 

Rachael has been working globally since 2010 when she moved to Beijing to study Mandarin and Chinese Ethnic Dance, and to work as an apprentice with a local modern dance company. After she completed her undergraduate degree, Rachael worked in San Francisco, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Shanghai as a performer, dance teacher, and choreographer until 2018. After receiving her TEFL certification in 2014, Rachael spent two years teaching in public schools in Shanghai, as well as working with secondary school students who were preparing to enter the American high school system. 

 

Rachael has spent the past ten years learning from and working with Chinese students and professionals, and is passionate about her work with students at MAIA, helping them navigate the challenges and sharing in the triumphs of pursuing higher education in the U.S. She enjoys sharing her love for the outdoors, animals, delicious food, and community building with every student at MAIA!