Faculty & Staff

About me

In 2008, Rachelle joined Jeannine Hanson as she opened Chestnut Montessori School’s (CMS) doors. She immediately fell in love with the school setting, the philosophy, and working with the children and families. During Rachelle’s time at CMS, she earned an AMS Montessori Early Childhood Teaching Credential and a Montessori Lower Elementary Teaching Certificate. She served as Assistant Director and Music Teacher of CMS, Faculty and Field Supervisor of the Teacher Education Program, and she was a Washington State MERIT Continuing Education Trainer through the Department of Children Youth & Families.

In 2016, Rachelle left CMS to pursue a law degree. In addition to earning a Montessori teaching credential and certificate, Rachelle holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Elmhurst College (n/k/a Elmhurst University) and a Juris Doctorate from Seattle University School of Law. She has experience in education law, having worked with school districts on a wide variety of issues, including special education. Rachelle also served as a board member of Washington State’s Council of School Attorneys. Throughout the practice of law, Rachelle never lost her passion for education and working with families. In 2025, she returns to CMS as the Director, bringing additional knowledge she gained from her experiences.

In Rachelle’s free time, she enjoys taking pottery classes, conducting genealogy research, playing board games, reading, spending time with family and friends, and spoiling her cats. She also volunteers for the King County Neighborhood Legal Clinic, providing limited legal advice to individuals who may otherwise not have access to the legal system.

Rachelle looks forward to working with and getting to know each CMS family. Her door will always be open, and she welcomes conversation with each of you.