Meet Rachel Crockford – She is a student, wife, mother, nurse, and a beautiful human being inside and out!

Please tell us a little bit about your family. My husband and I have been married for nine years. We have two young boys and a new puppy, her name is Dottie. We are a former military family. During my husband’s military career he was a naval aviator. After retiring from the Navy, he completed his MBA. He now works in banking. We moved here last year from Houston, Texas for his job. I am a nurse. I am currently a full time masters student at La Salle, working to get my nurse practitioner’s license for psychiatric/mental health. I am passionate about helping women with postpartum depression and pediatric patients.

Please tell us about your current career. Thing you love most about what you do? While living in Houston, I was a school Nurse at a private school for children with learning differences and emotional issues. I absolutely loved my job. I was working with my favorite population–children and their families. I was playing a critical role in their development and collaborating with parents and specialists on managing a child’s plan of care. It was during this time, my passion for mental health became my dream for a future career.

Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?

A: We are fairly new to the area, so we have not tried too many places. Quarantine has limited us, but we love Stateline Diner, King North Pizza and Favales has saved us many nights lately.

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?

A: We have lived here for almost a year. I am currently staying home with my boys, and I am a full-time masters student.

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?

A: I was blessed to meet our real estate agent through a mutual friend. Amrita has become part of our family. She helped us buy our first home, welcomed us to the community and continually provides support that goes above and beyond. I admire Amrita for her authenticity and passion to help others. She is a leader in our community. Amrita is never still, she is constantly thinking, developing and implementing new initiatives. She knows so many people and helps connect resources to produce amazing outcomes.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?

A: Belize!!! My husband and I went to Belize together many years ago. It was absolutely beautiful. White sand, blue water and completely peaceful.

Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?

A: My favorite movie of all time is My Cousin Vinny. “Smooth talker” and “Oh yea, you blend” are just a couple of my favorite quotes. If I need a tragic love story (because sometimes I just do), Splendor in the Grass or The Way We Were.

Q: What advice would you give to people?

A: Be real! It isn’t easy and it took me a long time to be true to myself, but I have found that is the best way to connect with people. In a world of editing and social media it is easy to believe what people portray, in the end that isn’t reality and it can be emotionally damaging. And probably most important–the first shower after child birth resembles a circus act. When the nurse asks you if you want help–take it! In my case, I let my husband help me and that is something neither of us can un-see, so take the help from a stranger that you will never see again!

Q: What is something on your bucket list?

A: I would love to travel more. Australia, Russia and South Africa would probably be my first few adventures.

Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?

A: Oh goodness, it really depends on my mood. I am not going to pretend that Britney Spears isn’t still on my playlist. For fun, I am always down for some old school pop/rap. But for every day I love Pearl Jam, Live and most country. Odd thing about me–I drive in complete silence. Since having children the car is my quiet place.

Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?

A: Lily and Kate.

Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?

A: I would love to meet Kristen Bell. She seems like a fun, down-to-earth woman. We are in similar stages of life with our kids and I love the videos she posts. She has been honest about her struggles in life and we have similar issues. She seems genuine and I think that would make for a great time!

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?

A: I love that even though we live in a densely populated area, Ramsey feels like a small town. The independent businesses and local merchants make our area unique. People take interest in getting to know you and your family and that makes things feel like home.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?

A: I hope to be a practicing Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and mentoring other nurses who want to follow a similar career path. I hope to be an active participant in our community and a positive resource for others.

Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?

A: I remember things by what I was wearing when they occurred. This applies throughout my life. My husband says that if I can’t remember what I was wearing, then it likely never happened.

Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?

A: It would either be Paradiso, Switzerland or Florence, Italy. Completely different landscapes, but each uniquely beautiful.

Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?

A: My favorite month is October. It starts to feel like fall and it is my birthday! My favorite holiday is July 4th–hands down the best day of the year. I love celebrating our country. I love the barbeques, pool parties, fireworks and summer.

Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?

A: Chocolate, comfy clothes, naps, quiet times and vacations with my family!

Q: Who inspires you to be better?

A: My husband constantly inspires me to be a better person. He is the definition of true. He is the most loyal friend, honest man and dedicated father. He is the kind of person that people admire and model their behavior after his actions. He has a humble character and shares his knowledge willingly with others. He has encouraged me to be the best version of myself.

Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?

A: Vanilla smells sweet and makes a home feel comforting. Citrus is fresh and clean.

Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?

A: Love, Loyalty and Acceptance.