She received an M.A. in Human Development and Family Relations at the University of Connecticut, and a Ph.D. in Family Studies at the University of Guelph. She recently developed and taught the course "Social research with children" for the M.A. program in Early Childhood Studies, offered through the School of ECE. Before joining the School in 2000, Rachel taught courses in feminist research methods at both McMaster and York University. Her research interests include: methods of inquiry, childrenâ€™s involvement in research, and interactions/relationships between parents and family support workers, early childhood educators, and other professionals who work with children and families.