Rachel Ashley has been part of Namchak since 2017, first contributing through the Community Advisory Board and now serving as Program and Curriculum Specialist. Her background in education spans more than 15 years, with experience teaching elementary, high school, and college-aged students in English, Language Arts, dance, movement, mindfulness, and meditation. That broad foundation continues to shape the way she supports learning and growth within the Namchak community.
Her passion for teaching led her to earn a degree in Education from Ithaca College and a Master’s degree from Northern Arizona University, alongside ongoing training in mindfulness and meditation programs. Rachel’s connection to spiritual practice began early, influenced by her mother and a deep appreciation for nature. After college, attending her first Buddhist retreat became a turning point that profoundly shifted her path. Since then, she has devoted herself to studying the Dharma and identifies as a committed Vajrayana practitioner.