A Snapshot of Rachel’s Journey
Cross-cultural
I grew up in Pakistan as the fourth child of Baptist missionaries, experiencing a close-knit family and 18 years of cross-cultural issues and constant transition. My Dad was the principal of a school for missionary kids. While the curriculum was American, the school was known for its high standards and attracted students of all nationalities. Growing up overseas but being an American put me in the category of a “third culture kid”. I can relate to others who have experienced living between the culture of citizenship and the environmental culture, and learning where you fit.
Outdoors – love it!
After high school graduation in Pakistan I spent a few years in Minnesota. I moved to Montana in the early ‘80s, where I currently reside. My husband Bill and I live on 40 acres near Helena, Montana’s capital city.
Management Experience: From 1994-2025 I worked for Energy Share of Montana, a private nonprofit organization. Beginning as the Energy Services Coordinator, I progressively earned more responsibility and became the Executive Director of Energy Share in 2010. Thirty-one years in the nonprofit field has helped me gain all kinds of management and “people” experience. I have been lonely, scared, elated, bewildered, confident, burned out, successful, moving forward and plateaued. I’ve learned about myself, my weaknesses, my strengths … and grown along the way. Life is never dull!
Learning Perseverance Through The “Ponies”!
Concurrently, I became more and more involved with horses. Much of my on-the-job life training occurs as I continually learn and grow in working with our horses. For about ten years I was involved in Reining, a technical and demanding sport involving well-trained horses. The highs and lows of competition, the sweat and tears of training for it, and the deep friendships formed with like-minded people was my sweet spot for a while. I left Reining in 2011. Resulting introspection, soul-searching, and more growth has brought me to a place where I value partnership with my horses more than ever before. In 2019 I received certification through the Equine Assisted Coaching Association for working with horses to life coach. Most people are aware of the amazing abilities God has placed in horses and other animals to help us grow. Seeing God use horses to help people has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. I am also available to coach you in person (in or near Helena) or from a distance in your relationship with your horse and your equine-related goals.