From Curved Paths to Clear Purpose: Rachel’s Journey in Early Childhood Leadership

Published February 2026 as a part of the Career Exploration Tool: Stories from the Field series. This series of stories brings to life the many pathways members of Michigan’s early care and education field have taken to achieve their goals, nurture their interests, and achieve success.

While working for a local hospital in Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula, Rachel was assigned to a contract with the regional Intermediate School District. It was there, through hands-on work with children from preschool through high school, that she discovered the profound joy and potential of early childhood education. Over time, she found her calling in early childhood special education and early intervention services like Early On, eventually stepping into an administrative role where her passion could take root and grow.

Today, Rachel serves as an Infant/Toddler Administrator for the Eastern Upper Peninsula ISD, where she supports programs that serve families during the most formative years of a child’s life. Her work includes overseeing early intervention, parent education, and childcare programming, all while focusing on continuous improvement and staff development.

What Rachel loves most about her work is its variety and its vitality. “Early childhood education is a fast-paced and ever-evolving field, so each day does not look like another,” she says. Whether she’s diving into data, supporting staff, or joining meetings with families, her goal is always the same: to ensure that children and their families receive the highest quality support possible.

While Rachel’s impact may be behind the scenes, she sees herself as a vital part of the ecosystem. “My impact is secondary,” she says, “but I help ensure our staff are empowered to equip families and our communities with the knowledge and tools needed to support our youngest learners.”

One of the most meaningful memories of her career centers on a young boy she supported through early intervention. After helping his family understand the importance of a typical preschool experience, they enrolled him in a program that gave him the support he needed to thrive. That boy’s journey toward kindergarten readiness remains a shining example of the difference early support and advocacy can make.

Rachel’s growth hasn’t stopped. Professionally, she is working toward a central office endorsement to take on even greater regional leadership roles. Personally, the field has transformed her view of children’s behaviors and deepened her belief that all children belong in their communities regardless of their needs.

One of the most unexpected and valuable skills she’s developed is group facilitation – leading collaborative, reflective discussions that move teams forward. “Career preparation never fully prepares you,” she reflects, “but some of the most important growth comes from the things you didn’t expect to love.”

Her advice for those just starting out? “Be open to new experiences and growth so you can truly know who you are meant to be.”

Rachel wants others to know that working in early childhood education means more than just routines and regulations; it means joy. “You’ll laugh every day,” she says. “And you’ll go home knowing that you are supporting the next generation of leaders in our world.”