15 Minute Appointments
Premier and Classic attendees have the opportunity to meet on ZOOM with an editor, agent, established author, or other industry professional for 15-minutes.
This time can be used to pitch a project idea or book proposal to a publisher rep or agent, get feedback on a manuscript in progress, brainstorm with an author mentor, or just ask questions.
The professionals are experts in their field and they are at the conference because they want to help you. All of our professionals are available to you. If you are not quite ready to meet with a publishing expert, you may want to consider one of the added value appointments.
Below you will see the list of industry & ministry experts who took appointments last year. This year’s list will be posted soon.
Publishing Houses:
Cindy Lambert – Executive Editor-at-Large – Baker Publishing Group
Cindy Lambert is looking for nonfiction books of any genre for Revell that will inspire and equip readers offering hope and help for daily life, and for Baker Books that will build up the body of Christ through messages that are relevant, intelligent, and engaging. Cindy will also critique proposals and suggest ways to strengthen them.
Visit Baker Publishing Group
Visit Cindy's Bio
Bold Vision Books — Karen & George Porter, Founders
A Traditional Publishing Company
Bold Vision Books is an independent Christian publisher looking for non-fiction and fiction with a compelling Christian message. Bold Vision offers high quality personal publishing & distribution through the nation’s best distribution companies. Bold Vision Books has two imprints: Nuts ‘n Bolts and Optasia Books. Other services offered through our coaching company, kae Creative Solutions, we also offer content analysis, book development, editing, and ghost writing. We can help you design a powerful marketing plan, write your tag line, build your brand, produce promotional items, and create your pitch.
Visit Bold Vision Books
Visit Karen's Bio
Visit George's Bio
Questions about publishing? Shawn Kuhn is the man you want to meet. He brings experience and insights about the world of authorship, retail book sales, and how to take your message from concept to a printed product that people will want to buy. Brookstone’s team of experts have their fingers on the pulse of change and opportunities. Find out what it takes to make your writing dreams reality.
Visit Brookstone Publishing Group
Visit Shawn's Bio
EABooks Partnership Publshing – Cheri Cowell, Owner & Publisher
Looking for a publishing option that blends the creative control of self-publishing with a focus on quality from seasoned professionals or simply not sure how to navigate self-publishing? Partnership Publishing is the answer! Partnership Publishing is a fairly new model combining the positives from the pay-to-publish approach, such as greater author control, keeping 100% of your profits, and shorter production time, along with the expertise of seasoned professionals to guide you through the publishing process.
Visit EABooks
Visit Cheri's Bio
Kathleen is currently acquiring adult nonfiction, with a particular focus on women’s books. She'd love to see material on spiritual growth, Christian living, and practical theology. She is always interested in books that urge the reader to go beyond surface-level understanding of faith. She is not looking for Bible studies or devotionals at this point.
Visit Kathleen's bio
Visit Harvest House
Kregel Publications acquires broadly in nonfiction and fiction. We’re especially interested in nonfiction titles that tackle contemporary issues using a single biblical story or book. We’re also looking for manuscripts that deal with issues surrounding mental health, adults with special needs, social justice, as well as new takes on perennial topics like women’s issues, marriage, and parenting. Kregel is always looking for excellent historical romance, contemporary suspense, historical fiction, and women’s fiction with biblical grounding. Please no poetry or scripts. One sheets, proposals, and synopses are helpful but not necessary. First-time authors welcome.
Visit Kregel Publications
Visit Janyre's Bio
Visit Joel's Bio
The vision of Moody Publishers is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and a biblical worldview. Our mission is to educate and edify the Christian and to evangelize the non-Christian. Judy acquires non-fiction books for the women’s line of books at Moody. She is looking to acquire more books and Bible studies that focus on discipling women and inspiring them to go deeper in their walk with Him. She’d love to see proposals with themes related to growing a deep prayer life and a greater love for the Word, a passion for revival, and God redemption stories. Her target reader is typically between the ages of 30-55, but she also loves seeing proposals geared to millennials. She also welcomes proposals focused on marriage or parenting.
Visit Moody Publishers
Visit Judy's Bio
NavPress is the publishing arm of The Navigators, supporting the global ministry that shares the gospel of Jesus and helps people grow in their relationship with Him through Life-to-Life® discipleship, creating spiritual generations of believers. Our focus then is on Christian living: Bible studies, devotionals, books for men and women and families. I look forward to hearing about your writing, your passion and why your manuscript may be a fit!
Visit NavPress
Visit Don's Bio
Bringing 30 years of industry expertise to an author-centric publishing model, Redemption Press is the “best of both worlds.” All the benefits of self-publishing, along with the support and representation of a traditional publisher. One thing I know. If you’re going to self-publish, the last thing you want to do is LOOK like you did it yourself. Your book should look and read at the same level of excellence as the largest traditional publishers, and available in all the same channels. We take the time to develop custom publishing and promotion strategies specifically for you and your message. No one size fits all at Redemption Press. We are a full service, turn key, custom publishing option providing as much or as little support as you need.
I’d love to meet with you to see if we’re a good fit for each other!
Visit Redemption Press
Visit Athena's Bio
For the optimal 15-minute appointment experience, a completed book proposal and a 30-second elevator pitch to kickstart our conversation is your best bet. Let me know right away what the hook of your book idea is and who your target audience is, and let’s explore from there. I’m currently looking for adult fiction for Revell and nonfiction in the family/relationships category, humor category, and self-help/personal growth category. Please note that Revell takes very little in the autobio/memoir category and no children’s or middle grade books at this time.
Visit Revell
Visit Kelsey's Bio
Visit Cindy's Bio
Zondervan is a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. With 80 years in the business, they publish an array of Christian publications, and have remained dedicated to producing quality Christian content with integrity. Meet with Mick Silva, Sr. Acquisitions Editor, Zondervan Books to see if your writing is a good match.
Andy is looking for:
Spiritual Growth – Books that encourage readers to be disciples of Jesus. Books that tackle life’s hard questions with authenticity.
Mental & Emotional Health – Books that address widespread realities like loneliness, anxiety, depression, suicide and other issues.
Narrative Nonfiction – Compelling stories that demonstrate the power of God in someone’s life. Biography, memoir, social issues, sports, and entertainment.
Practical Living – Quick reads. Pass along books. New paradigms to address widely felt needs.
Visit Zondervan
Visit Mick's bio
Visit Andy's bio
Author Mentors:
Author/Mentor Sandi Banks – Sandi is an author whose works include Anchors of Hope: Finding Peace Amidst the Storms of Life and dozens of stories for Readers Digest and Guidepost, and numerous others. As author, conference host, and international traveler and speaker, Sandi feels honored to use pen and voice to help people find direction and renewed hope.
Visit Sandi's Bio
Children’s Author/Mentor, Children’s Ministries
If you have an interest in writing for children, don’t miss out on meeting with Crystal. Crystal Bowman is a bestselling, award-winning author of over 100 books for children including Our Daily Bread for Kids, The One Year Book of Devotions for Preschoolers, My Grandma and Me, and M is for Manger.
Visit Crystal's Bio
Have an idea for a non-fiction book, bible study, or teaching material, but not sure how to start? Meet with Cynthia, and come away with clarity for your core message. Let her coach you for the next steps to start your book project with a focused message to tell your story.
Visit Cynthia's Bio
Kim de Blecourt is an author and speaker who loves to encourage new talent. Kim will help you shape your one sheet or book proposal so that you are ready for your meeting with editors or agents. Feel free to sign up for a 15-minute meeting with Kim, and be prepared to put your best foot forward at Speak Up.
Visit Kim's Bio
Meet with Pam Farrel, author of 50+ books and gain insights on how to make your idea one publishers and readers will love! Pam will give an honest global edit on your sample chapter or book proposal. Pam will give you ideas on how to position and pitch your book to a publisher. Pam will also give you ideas on what should be written into your book so you can market the book, yourself, and your ministry better at launch and beyond.
Do you have a dream to write a book/start a speaking ministry or a non-profit? In 2012 Jenn began the wild faith adventure of starting her dream non-profit ministry, Coming Alive Ministries, after attending Speak-Up. Do you dream of writing a book? After five self-published books Jenn would love to meet with you and cheer you on.
Visit Coming Alive Ministries
Visit Jenn's Bio
Pat is excited about taking one-on-one appointments with authors and speakers who feel stuck in a particular area or phase of ministry. She’ll help you identify the sticky place and make your UNSTUCK NEXT STEP plan. She’ll also offer advice to those who are considering using speaking and writing within a non-profit ministry environment.
Visit Pat's bio
Bruce is an established writer, speaker, counselor, and author of Desperate For Hope. He'll be taking one-to-one appointments with aspiring writers and speakers who want to take the next step in their ministry. He specializes in helping people find their voice, pick a lane to serve in, and love others well. He's also available if you just need a little encouragement and prayer!
Visit Bruce's Bio
SPEAKER/AUTHOR/MENTOR
Lucinda Secrest McDowell has been both a published writer and professional speaker her entire adult life. Her greatest joy is encouraging YOU on your journey in one or both of these areas. She loves to help discover your passion and break that big vision down into proactive steps. You have a unique story and style that -- combined with good choices and God's plan -- will touch a hurting world!
Visit Lucinda's Bio
Shannon would love to encourage you, pray with you, and brainstorm ideas on how to keep in step with the Spirit's guidance for your writing and speaking journey. She would also love to offer input on the publishing process (traditional or self-published), growing your speaking ministry, or building a platform that elevates Jesus.
Visit Shannon's Bio
As the Inspiration Doula, Katie coaches creatives, by helping them give birth to their purpose and projects. Whether that is growing your speaking ministry, finding a unique angle for your book idea, starting a podcast, networking effectively, or fresh ideas for branding and marketing your message, Katie looks forward to helping you take the next step in your God-given purpose.
Visit Katie's Bio
Jill has been writing and speaking for over twenty years and she loves teaching others how to hone their communication skills. As the Founder of Hearts at Home, an organization that produced professional conferences for moms for 24 years, she’s been on all sides of the speaking, writing, non-profit, and more recently, entrepreneurship world. She is taking one-on-one appointments with those who want to grow their platform and influence. She specializes in helping people identify the next right step they need to take in their relationships and ministry journey.
Visit Jill's Bio
Sharing Your Story
Do you feel a passion inside to share the painful parts of your life where God has breathed in hope? Is there a stirring inside of you to help others take off their mask so they no longer feel the pressure to hide and fit a certain mold? Are you wanting to help others go after their purpose for such a time as this? Meet with Caris to talk about the power of sharing your story to the world around you. She will listen to your questions and give you encouragement and action steps on how to move forward in faith and no longer be paralyzed in fear.
Visit Caris's Bio
Do you have a passion in your heart to teach God’s Word and share it with others? Erica can help you create simple outlines to either write about or verbally present a passage of Scripture. Discovering your teaching style helps narrow down your strengths and area of focus streamlining your lesson toward a single action step. For maximum benefit, please bring a written sample. Book proposal guidelines can also be addressed.
Visit Erica's bio
Publishing Experts:
To thrive in today’s publishing world, you need the right set of skills, knowledge of how the industry is changing, and strong market awareness.
Lambert Editorial can help you gain those things. My commitment with every author I work with is that I'll make sure you're a better writer at the end of the process than you were at the beginning, and that you'll become even better on every book I edit for you. And although the publishing world has changed greatly in the past decade, that doesn't worry me--the Internet and social media offer two new opportunities for every one we've lost in our constantly changing publishing world. Let's talk about where you are in your writing career and how to get from here to where you want to be.
Visit Dave's Bio
Meaghan Minkus currently works as a freelance editor through her own company, Triple M Editorial Services. Formerly, she worked in the editorial departments at Zondervan and Discovery House and as a staff writer at Revue magazine. Meaghan is eager to help new authors hone their pitches, define their big ideas, and honor the stories God has given them to write.
Visit Meghan's bio
Magazines:
GEMS Girls' Clubs is a global ministry dedicated to bringing girls everywhere into a living, dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ. We are looking for authors who are interested in contributing relevant, engaging short stories and articles to our two magazines: SHINE brightly and Sparkle. SHINE brightly (4th-6th grade girls) reaches girls everywhere with the truth of God's love, and equips them to handle the tough stuff they may face. Sparkle (1st-3rd grade girls) provides girls with the building blocks they need to learn more about God and the world He has created. Nearly 20,000 girls are reached through GEMS two magazines each year all across the world! We are also looking for authors who may be interested in contributing short quizzes, prayers, and more to our brand new app for middle school girls.
Visit Serena's Bio
Agents:
A writer who understands good writing technique/craft, but also has invested time in studying how their project meets reader felt-needs and what other books have been written on the topic, who is already reaching and engaging with people (sometimes called platform or built-in audience) in a significant way, and who is teachable will make any editor or agent lean in and listen. Specifically, I'm looking for a fresh approach on timeless truths, compelling and biblically based nonfiction or fiction that addresses current reader needs in an evergreen way (it won't be outdated in a year or two), women's fiction, Christian Living, Spiritual Development, a few memoirs but they must have a clear reader takeaway, other categories of fiction but not fantasy.
Visit Cynthia's bio
Children's books are a very hard sell right now, so I'd be hesitant to take on a children's author.
Blythe is available to meet with published and unpublished writers who want feedback on a book idea or want to ask questions about the publishing process and their trajectory as a writer. Attendees may also ask what she is looking for and how agents work with authors and publishers.
Visit The Blythe Daniel Agency
Visit Blythe's Bio
Cyle Young Literary Elite represents Christian and general market titles in nonfiction, fiction, and children’s. Alyssa focuses on middle grade, young adult, and speculative fiction, and is especially interested in fiction with crossover Christian/general market potential. However, she is willing to discuss other genres that might fit other agents within the agency. She is also happy to meet to answer questions and give feedback, especially for middle grade and young adult.
Visit Cyle Young
Visit Alyssa's bio
Branding & Platform:
You won't want to miss this opportunity to meet Suzanne Kuhn, whose personal and professional mission is, "To advance the Kingdom of God through the written and spoken word." Her branding and marketing expertise has helped countless authors, speakers, leaders, and other creatives to strengthen their platforms and expand their message reach. You'll be amazed at how much you'll take away from a short 15-minute session.
Visit Brookstone Creative
Visit Suzanne's Bio
Connect with million-copy best-selling author Shannon Ethridge and pick her brain about how to take YOUR speaking or writing platform to the next level! Feel free to bring your personal bio, professional headshot, logo, or one-page summary of whatever project you are working on to get her incredibly insightful feedback as a 25-year veteran of the speaking and writing industry.
Visit B.L.A.S.T. Mentoring
Visit Shannon's Bio
Jill has been writing and speaking for over twenty years and she loves teaching others how to hone their communication skills. As the Founder of Hearts at Home, an organization that produced professional conferences for moms for 24 years, she’s been on all sides of the speaking, writing, non-profit, and more recently, entrepreneurship world. She is taking one-on-one appointments with those who want to grow their platform and influence. She specializes in helping people identify the next right step they need to take in their relationships and ministry journey.
Visit Jill's Website
Visit Jill's Bio
Social Media:
Lee Nienhuis is an author, Bible teacher, and serves as the podcast host and National Speaking team member for Moms in Prayer International. As an international teacher and communications specialist, Lee is accepting 15-minute appointments to help speakers plan retreat packages, multi lesson talks, or help them hone standalone messages. She’s also willing to talk shop with those who would like to podcast or are in the preliminary stages of launching their podcast. It would be her pleasure to lace all of this in prayer.
Visit Lee's Bio
As the Inspiration Doula, Katie coaches creatives, by helping them give birth to their purpose and projects. Whether that is growing your speaking ministry, finding a unique angle for your book idea, starting a podcast, networking effectively, or fresh ideas for branding and marketing your message, Katie looks forward to helping you take the next step in your God-given purpose.
Visit Katie's Bio
Rachel Wojo is known as the geek in her author mastermind group. As an author who has worked on all sides of an online business for the last decade, her entrepreneurial advice is sure to be what you need to get you to the next level. Rachel is available for one-on-one appointments for people who want to figure out where to start, how to determine the next best project, or how to outline the logistics of a project Her analytical ability will help you simultaneously narrow your focus and broaden your platform. She is taking one-on-one appointments with anyone ready to grow their platform and influence in the areas of email marketing, social media influence, or self-publishing.
Visit Rachel's bio
Speaking Mentors:
Megan is accepting 15- minute appointments to discuss strategies for gospel centered writing, teaching, and speaking. Attendees can expect to learn more about grasping and comprehending practical ways to communicate God's story of redemption through Jesus. By employing better Bible study techniques and engaging in spiritual disciplines, writers and speakers can fully invest themselves in the ultimate purpose of platform building: to engage wholly and fully in the mission and purpose of Jesus- The Great Commission.
Visit Megan's Bio
Need to know where to find places to speak? Confused about how to organize or illustrate your story or teaching? Wondering how much you should charge or how long you should talk? Book a one-to-one appointment with Robyn to get the exact tools you need to expand your speaking opportunities and proclaim Jesus and teach his Word.
Do you dream of developing a speaking ministry? Jenn would love to answer questions about how to build and establish a speaking ministry or a non-profit. Jenn has traveled to 21 different countries sharing the Word through Coming Alive.
Visit Coming Alive Ministries
Visit Jenn's Bio
Pat is excited about taking one-on-one appointments with authors and speakers who feel stuck in a particular area or phase of ministry. She’ll help you identify the sticky place and make your UNSTUCK NEXT STEP plan. She’ll also offer advice to those who are considering using speaking and writing within a non-profit ministry environment.
Visit Pat's bio
Bruce is an established writer, speaker, counselor, and author of Desperate For Hope. He'll be taking one-to-one appointments with aspiring writers and speakers who want to take the next step in their ministry. He specializes in helping people find their voice, pick a lane to serve in, and love others well. He's also available if you just need a little encouragement and prayer!
Visit Bruce's Website
Visit Bruce's Bio
SPEAKER/AUTHOR/MENTOR
Lucinda Secrest McDowell has been both a published writer and professional speaker her entire adult life. Her greatest joy is encouraging YOU on your journey in one or both of these areas. She loves to help discover your passion and break that big vision down into proactive steps. You have a unique story and style that -- combined with good choices and God's plan -- will touch a hurting world!
Visit Lucinda's Bio
Lee Nienhuis is an author, Bible teacher, and serves as the podcast host and National Speaking team member for Moms in Prayer International. As an international teacher and communications specialist, Lee is accepting 15-minute appointments to help speakers plan retreat packages, multi lesson talks, or help them hone standalone messages. She’s also willing to talk shop with those who would like to podcast or are in the preliminary stages of launching their podcast. It would be her pleasure to lace all of this in prayer.
Visit Lee's Bio
Shannon would love to encourage you, pray with you, and brainstorm ideas on how to keep in step with the Spirit's guidance for your writing and speaking journey. She would also love to offer input on the publishing process (traditional or self-published), growing your speaking ministry, or building a platform that elevates Jesus.
Visit Shannon's Bio
As the Inspiration Doula, Katie coaches creatives, by helping them give birth to their purpose and projects. Whether that is growing your speaking ministry, finding a unique angle for your book idea, starting a podcast, networking effectively, or fresh ideas for branding and marketing your message, Katie looks forward to helping you take the next step in your God-given purpose.
Visit Katie's Bio
Jill has been writing and speaking for over twenty years and she loves teaching others how to hone their communication skills. As the Founder of Hearts at Home, an organization that produced professional conferences for moms for 24 years, she’s been on all sides of the speaking, writing, non-profit, and more recently, entrepreneurship world. She is taking one-on-one appointments with those who want to grow their platform and influence. She specializes in helping people identify the next right step they need to take in their relationships and ministry journey.
Visit Jill's Website
Visit Jill's Bio
Sharing Your Story
Do you feel a passion inside to share the painful parts of your life where God has breathed in hope? Is there a stirring inside of you to help others take off their mask so they no longer feel the pressure to hide and fit a certain mold? Are you wanting to help others go after their purpose for such a time as this? Meet with Caris to talk about the power of sharing your story to the world around you. She will listen to your questions and give you encouragement and action steps on how to move forward in faith and no longer be paralyzed in fear.
Visit Caris' Bio
Do you have a passion in your heart to teach God’s Word and share it with others? Erica can help you create simple outlines to either write about or verbally present a passage of Scripture. Discovering your teaching style helps narrow down your strengths and area of focus streamlining your lesson toward a single action step. For maximum benefit, please bring a written sample. Book proposal guidelines can also be addressed.
Visit Erica's bio
Life Coaching & Counseling:
Tanya Glanzman is a licensed professional counselor who speaks and writes as “My Father’s Daughter”. She specializes in helping others embrace core aspects of their identity as a Child of God. In your 15-minute session with Tanya, you can expect to receive wisdom in the areas of: improving self-care, prioritizing your priorities, and setting firm boundaries with grace and love. All without experiencing guilt, shame or condemnation.
Visit Tanya's Bio
Coach Darlene Larson - What’s on your heart?
Connect with Life Purpose Coach® Darlene Larson and sample life purpose coaching, encouragement, and/or be taught a Biblical principle that will bring clarity and awareness into your life. Coach Darlene grasps to the core of her being that your life purpose is engraved within your heart. I guarantee you will leave her presence with an action step to apply and or one Biblical Truth to plant into your heart! Take your first step forward today.
Visit Darlene's Bio
Kathe Wunnenberg – Professional Consulting & Encouragement
• Are you longing to fulfill a dream but feel stuck?
• Are you overwhelmed with opportunities or obstacles?
• Do you need to brainstorm topic ideas or promotional strategies, prayer covering or practical resources?
Visit Kathe's Bio
Come experience an energizing time with Kathe Wunnenberg and leave this session with fresh hope to press on.
More Help:
Megan is accepting 15-minute appointments to discuss strategies for gospel centered writing, teaching, and speaking. Attendees can expect to learn more about grasping and comprehending practical ways to communicate God's story of redemption through Jesus. By employing better Bible study techniques and engaging in spiritual disciplines, writers and speakers can fully invest themselves in the ultimate purpose of platform building: to engage wholly and fully in the mission and purpose of Jesus- The Great Commission.
Susan is accepting 15-minute appointments to discuss time management hacks to make your vision a reality and she’ll be sharing ways that you can use your hard story to encourage others. If you’re overwhelmed by the size of the dream God’s given you, Susan can help you sort out your next steps and create a plan to make it happen.
Visit Susan's Bio
Do you have a goal that seems impossible to reach? Jennie will help you to prayerfully take your goal, and set specific, measurable, achievable steps you can take to reach it. Come with a specific goal in mind, and get ready to brainstorm!
Visit Jennie's Bio
First Place For Health is successful due to its biblical approach to weight loss and overall health management, which puts Christ first and improves every area of your life. This Christian weight-loss and healthy living program has guided hundreds of thousands of people to a healthy lifestyle and a closer walk with the Lord. In your fifteen-minute consultation with Vicki, she will help you develop a personal wellness plan that will work for you!
View Vicki's bio
Jeri Howe – How Can I Help You?
Jeri is a speaker and writer who has written Bible Studies as well as self-publishing a short novel. She also produced and hosted a round table discussion radio program. She loves meeting with people to fan dreams into flame and work through obstacles through encouragement, instruction and prayer. She would love the honor of spending 15 minutes with you:
- Preparing for a great radio interview (or answering your radio show hosting and producing questions!)
• Creating your Bio with you in 12 easy steps.
• Talking with you about Bible Study development.
• Praying with you!
Visit Jeri's Bio
Carol Kent's husband, Gene, has had twenty years of merch sales at Carol’s speaking events and he’d be happy to talk to you about “back of the room” sales. It’s possible to double the amount you receive from an honorarium when your product table is run well. Gene will answer your questions about what works and what doesn't. From product setup, to handling volunteers at the product table, to payment options, to shipping product ahead of time, to taxes, and even to negotiating the placement of your merchandise table. He would also welcome appointments on including your spouse in ministry. Are you anticipating being in partnership with your spouse, or are you totally “on your own” when it comes to ministry? Whose “gifting” should be used where? Feel free to have your spouse join you for this Zoom connection with Gene.
Visit Gene's bio
Feeling overwhelmed and stuck about what your next steps might be? Michelle loves working with people one on one to get them unstuck in a very short amount of time. She looks forward to brainstorming with you, encouraging you on your journey and praying for your next steps!
Visit Michelle's Bio
Rachel Wojo is known as the geek in her author mastermind group. As an author who has worked on all sides of an online business for the last decade, her entrepreneurial advice is sure to be what you need to get you to the next level. Rachel is available for one-on-one appointments for people who want to figure out where to start, how to determine the next best project, or how to outline the logistics of a project Her analytical ability will help you simultaneously narrow your focus and broaden your platform. She is taking one-on-one appointments with anyone ready to grow their platform and influence in the areas of email marketing, social media influence, or self-publishing.
Visit Rachel's bio