About Rachel
Rachel Archambault M.A. CCC-SLP is an award-winning speaker and consultant for trauma-informed care as well as a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP). She collaborates with service providers (SLPs, doctors, PT/OT, etc.), parents, businesses (schools, hospitals, universities, rehab), and communities to incorporate trauma-informed care into their setting.
In 2018, Rachel was an SLP at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL when an internationally publicized traumatic event happened at her workplace. After wondering how she could better work with her students (and self) who had undergone trauma, she found trauma-informed care. Her lived experience of trauma in combination with her profession allow her to bridge the gap for SLPs and other service providers who want to learn about and implement trauma-informed care in any setting. Rachel is a neurodivergent SLP, (PTSD & ADHD) and advocates for mental health trainings for SLP.
Rachel uses her unique journey to help put a face to trauma for healthcare providers, parents, and universities.
A bit more about Rachel
Rachel’s presentation for SLP Summit in January 23 had over 2,000 attendees attend (live) virtually, and more than 6,000 watched the recorded presentation during the two week period.
As of July 2023, Rachel has been interviewed on 17 different podcasts, with 45 total episodes.
Rachel creates all social media content for @PTSD.SLP and @speechsciencepod
Rachel is an ordained Minister through the Universal Life Church and has officiated two weddings (so far) and open to more!
Articles and Publications
2/27/24: Discussion With Rachel: Rethinking Telehealth Emergency Response
10/23/23: Supporting Our Students With a Trauma-Informed Approach
9/10/23: Incorporating Trauma-Informed Care in Therapy Sessions for Childhood Apraxia of Speech
8/17/23: Nine Practical Ways to Make Assessments More Trauma-Sensitive
11/24/20: UCF Spotlight: CSD Alumna Helps Stoneman Douglas Students Heal and Thrive
Awards
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ASHA Innovator
March 23, 2023
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UCF 30 Under 30 Class of 2021
May 7, 2021
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ASHA Distinguished Early Career Professional
November 16, 2020
Dougie
After 2/14/18, therapy dogs were part of everyday life at MSD. At one point, about 100 therapy dogs (and mini horse and pig) supported the school. The problem was, Rachel was allergic to these dogs and so were many of her students. Rachel needed dog cuddles to help her emotionally regulate, even though she broke out in hives each time.
Rachel saw the benefit of therapy dogs first hand and wanted to have a therapy dog to help others. She wanted a hypoallergenic dog, who was big enough to handle petting from autistic students. Dougie, named after Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, was her answer. Dougie is not only a therapy dog for others, but an Emotional Support Animal for Rachel. With Dougie’s help, Rachel was able to learn coping strategies.