Our Team | Chain Reaction of Positive Influence
Walking the Walk
The Presenters at Rachel’s Challenge are the heart and soul of what we do. It’s a tough job, with impossible hours and exhausting travel agendas (pre-COVID, naturally). Which is why ALL of our executive staff are also presenters – we feel it’s essential that every person here be committed to our purpose, and connected to the people we work to serve. We can’t all be on the road all the time of course; but whether it’s presenting at teacher conferences or rural schools, even the CEO has to get out and get up on stage.
After an intensive screening and interview process, our Presenters are trained and certified annually to give the highest quality of service. During the year they travel across the United States and other countries to schools, corporations, and events. They share powerful story presentations, interactive trainings, and sustaining programs such as the Friends of Rachel Club. Click on the photos below to learn about the profile of each Presenter. Oh, and if you’re looking to learn more about our executive team – they’re in there. Go find them!
RC Certified Presenters
RC Certified Presenters
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Darrell is the founder of the Rachel’s Challenge program. He has spoken to over five million people in live settings around the world, not counting the millions he has spoken to through programs such as Oprah, Larry King Live, CNN, and the Today Show. He has authored or co-authored five books, and meets with politicians and educators regularly concerning issues of school violence.
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Michael is Rachel’s youngest brother. He has been a public speaker since 2008 and has shared Rachel’s story with thousands of students across America. He has been featured in many articles, newspapers and television shows including Teen People Magazine and Dateline. Even though Michael is the youngest and the quietest in his family he loves sharing his sister’s story.
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Larry is Rachel’s uncle. His two teenagers were present at Columbine High School the day of the shooting. Larry has spoken to tens of thousands of people in live settings as well as on numerous television broadcasts. Larry’s warm and caring personality effectively communicates Rachel’s message of kindness and compassion
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Cincinnati, Ohio / Kent State University, Bachelor of Arts / Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management / Executive Education-Non-Profit Management
Why do you share Rachel’s story?
I love sharing a positive message that’s contagious…transforming people’s hearts, souls, minds and spirits. I also love sharing the message because people are being exposed to courage, hope, peace, compassion, and love.
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Nashville, TN/ Professional Drummer / Professional Speaker
Why do you share Rachel’s story?
I love working for this organization because Rachel’s story is something that has given me hope. I see it bring hope to thousands of kids every year and I feel honored to share it.
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Austintown, Ohio / Bible and Pastoral Ministry Degree / Professional Genealogist / Certified Grief Counselor / Author / Singer / Songwriter / Musician / College Cross Country & Track Athlete
Why do you share Rachel’s story?
After seeing Rachel’s funeral on television, and after reading her story in Rachel’s Tears, I was inspired to share her message of kindness and compassion with my students. For many years I shared that story with friends and family, but only in the past few years have I been able to get out on the road and share that message as a part of Rachel’s Challenge. I love seeing the transformation that takes place in students, educators, parents, and in entire communities because of Rachel’s story. The way Rachel lived, and the way she treated others has inspired my own family so much that we chose to name our first child Rachel Joy in her honor.
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Olathe, KS / B.S. Behavioral Neuroscience, B.G.S. Interpersonal Communication Studies, Service Learning Certification – University of Kansas / Extreme Kansas Jayhawks Fan
Why do you love sharing Rachel’s story?
I love having the opportunity to share Rachel’s message because it is an incredible story that inspires individuals to recognize the importance of kindness and compassion. You have the ability to reach those that many thought couldn’t be reached. Rachel’s story changes lives. This story emphasizes how one act of kindness can create an entire chain reaction of kindness, and we have the opportunity to begin that chain reaction. Our communities are in need of compassion, kindness, love, and respect and sharing this story brings that out; even if it is in just one person.
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Rockwall, TX / Texas Tech University, Bachelor of Arts, English / College Athlete – Division 1 Football Quarterback (2005 – led the nation in total offense)
Why do you share Rachel’s story?
I love sharing Rachel’s message because it reaches all people. No matter what makes us different as people….beliefs, skin color, etc., Rachel’s message is bigger than all of that. At the end of the day we all want to be treated the same way…We all want people to be kind to us, reach out to us, stand up for us, and show us compassion. Rachel’s message embodies this idea and she gives us the example to follow.
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Round Rock, TX / B.S. Family & Consumer Sciences – Eastern New Mexico University / People Care Director for Agency Serving Adults With Developmental Disabilities / Former Professional Singer
Why do you love sharing Rachel’s story?
I love seeing hope reignited. There’s nothing like it! Rachel’s story awakens something in people that drives them to become the best versions of themselves. I’ll never get tired of seeing beauty come from ashes, and Rachel’s story is the ultimate example.
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Knoxville, TN / Bachelor of Science, Communications / Certified Trainer and Speaker / Author/ Writer / Domestic Violence Prevention Expert & Speaker
Why do you share Rachel’s story?
Rachel’s message of kindness and compassion is so important because how we treat each other truly matters. And Rachel’s story proves that one person can make a difference! We all have the same opportunity to impact people with kindness and compassion and it is humbling to share her message.
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Dallas, TX / Grand Canyon University, Bachelor of Arts, Theology / Artist / Author / Youth Advocate Trainer
Why do you share Rachel’s story?
I have a daughter who was bullied severely in Middle School to the point that she chose to change schools. When the bullying seemed to follow her it was the message of compassion and care that gave her the boldness to stand in her truth. I’m grateful for Rachel’s story and how it touches so many lives today.
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Highlands Ranch, CO / Bachelor of Arts, Psychology & Communications / Licensed Real Estate Broker / Girls Fastpitch Softball Coach / Life Coach
Why do you share Rachel’s story?
I enjoy sharing Rachel’s message because I believe the principals are universal. Regardless of religion, race, economic background or political beliefs anyone can choose to apply the challenges to their life and be better for it.
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Warwick, RI / High School Teacher / Softball Coach / Hockey Coach / Dad
Why do you share Rachel’s story?
The message of kindness and compassion, which Rachel lived, is as timely today as it has ever been. Seeing students, born after the Columbine tragedy, still react and engage emotionally to Rachel’s message and commit to being a part of her chain reaction is an amazing thing to witness. As a dad of two teenagers, I see firsthand how important it is to give young people an opportunity to be a part of something bigger than themselves and something that makes them believe in the inherent good inside of each of us.
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Ft. Collins, CO / Film & Television Actress / Advance Personal Trainer / Life Wellness Coach / Advance Women’s Leadership Coach / Writer
Why do you share Rachel’s story?
I love sharing Rachel’s message because I have the honor as a speaker to have a front row seat in experiencing lives and hearts of people around the world come alive in the discovery of Rachel’s life-giving and moving heart mission–to spread kindness, compassion, and love to one another.
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Chesapeake, VA / Associate of Applied Science, Drafting & Design / National Academy of Sports Medicine, Certification, Exercise Fitness / Motivational Speaker / Author / Actor / Model / Talk Show Host / Personal Trainer
Why do you share Rachel’s story?
I love sharing Rachel’s Challenge because you never know how the power of your words can change how a person sees themself and sharing Rachel’s story and the different challenges is like the lightbulb going off for the first time for many of these students.
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Michigan / Bachelor of Science, Marketing & Advertising / Former Board of Directors, The Guidance Center
Why do you share Rachel’s story?
Rachel’s story connects with people on so many levels. It pricks at the heart, inspires change and gives hope to both individuals and communities. And it does it all through the message of kindness and compassion.
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In 2022, Kristi became CEO of Rachel’s Challenge. She has served on the executive team at Rachel’s Challenge since 2019. Kristi has been a speaker for Rachel’s Challenge since 2011 and during her tenure, she has delivered programs to over 1 million people in live and digital settings.
Prior to joining Rachel’s Challenge, Kristi had a 15-year career in business and has worked with some of the largest corporations in the world including Walmart, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Samsung, H&M, Urban Outfitters and more – on their digital marketing, strategic partnerships, ecommerce, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Kristi lives in Colorado with her husband of 15 years, Aric. She is an accomplished singer/songwriter and is a platinum recording artist under the name “Nation of One.” She enjoys creating music (and music videos!) with her husband who is a creative director and music producer. She is a John Lennon Songwriting Competition and Billboard Songwriting Competition winner.
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Eau Claire, WI / Motivational Speaker / Podcaster / Musician / Author
Why do you share Rachel’s story?
I love sharing Rachel’s message because true and lasting change happens through small acts of kindness and compassion! Rachel’s story inspires us to make a difference every day and her life proves that one person can change the world. If we all live like Rachel did, our schools, our communities and our world would be radically transformed! It is nothing short of an honor and a privilege to share such a powerful story of hope that is impacting the lives of those who hear it!
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Murfreesboro, TN / Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration / Master Of Arts, Adult & Higher Education / College Soccer Player / Former Pageant Queen / Songwriter / Vocal Performer / Published Author
Why do you share Rachel’s story?
I love sharing Rachel’s message because it is one of triumph after tragedy. It shows that a person who is kind will have a legacy that lives forever. I love that most everyone who hears it is impacted for the better. I love that many many lives are changed by the message and stirred to a call to action that they CAN do if they just take the ONE step to do it. I love the essence of who Rachel was. I’m grateful to be a part of this amazing family.
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Greenville, SC / Charlotte, NC / Bachelor of Science, Health Information Management / Master of Science, Clinical Nutrition / Licensed Massage Therapist / Certified Holistic Health Coach / Author
Why do you share Rachel’s story?
Because her message is one in which everyone can relate and participate. It is empowering and reminds people everyday that we all matter. Our actions regardless of how big or small can have an influence on someone’s life.
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Denver, CO / Gonzaga University, Bachelor of Arts / International Guide Academy, Certified International Tour Manager / Musician / Singer / Songwriter / Bilingual – English & Spanish / Mentor / Tour Guide / Entrepreneur
Why do you share Rachel’s story?
Rachel’s story is one of the only stories that is able to connect with the hearts of anyone – no matter race, religion, socio-economic background – and impact them in such a positive way. It is a story about being human, and the responsibility each of us has to take care of one another through a kind word or going out of our way to show compassion to someone. It is a story about love, and deep in our hearts we all desire to love and be loved. There is nothing like a student coming up to me after a presentation and sharing with me how this one girl’s story gave them hope after feeling hopeless for so long and saved their life. It happens every day, and I am lucky and honored to carry this message to young people who so desperately need permission to let their light shine.
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Southern California/ New Jersey / Loyola Marymount University, Bachelor of Liberal Arts, English & Spanish Literature, Dance / College Athlete – Division 1 Tennis / Multi-Lingual – Spanish, English, Farsi / Writer – Editorial Contributing Writer (Quarter Life Magazine) / Co-Executive Producer/Host – Diablo Heat (Community Docu/News Television Show) / Journalist – Award Winning Documentary premiered on History Channel / Co-Creator – RC Music / Songwriter/Producer / Dance Instructor / Artist/Speaker
Why do you share Rachel’s story?
I love sharing Rachel’s Message because it’s central theme of Kindness and Compassion is a universal truth that resonates with every age, culture, and demographic. One of my favorite quotes explains it best, “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”
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Greensboro, NC / Image & Life Skills Consultant/ Writer/ Professional Speaker/ Mom
Why do you love sharing Rachel’s story?
Sharing Rachel’s story is an opportunity to instill hope, kindness, and compassion in those who will one day be the future leaders of nations, businesses, and household. I love to bring about change in those who will one day bring about change in others.
