Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Garrett.
Hi Rachel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Rachel. I am a mother to two young children and a bonus mom to multiple teenagers. I completed my Graduate Degree in the Science of Psychology with a specialization in Child and Adolescent Development. I have spent the last decade of my life working closely with Utah teens in various capacities. I am a licensed foster parent, certified Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), Associate Program Director for Trauma Informed Utah, a former high school teacher and Hope Squad Advisor, and a founder and Executive Director of a non-profit.
In an effort to rally around a few teens we previously cared for in our home as foster parents, I began organizing free events, from pottery to paddle-boarding to bring in some joy and connection. What started out as an effort to support these teens we love, quickly exploded into the force of the Common Thread Community. It took on a life of its own as countless other teens and families were experiencing similar pain points. I spend a significant amount of my time as the Executive Director of Common Thread, a non-profit organization and growing community centered on supporting local teens who have been impacted by foster care, abuse, rejection, neglect, homelessness, or are in need of belonging and a supportive community. I am passionate about incorporating the latest research into society and supporting generational healing and connection.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As with anything worth doing, it takes an immense amount of work and dedication. Thousands of hours have gone into creating and building this non-profit. We are navigating the realities of caring for the high demand while simultaneously trying to build out the structure to support it.
We are working hard to raise money to support programs/therapy/events, center the voices of those most impacted, train all of our volunteers, build out a solid team, and connect teens in crisis to resources. It is a heavy space to be in and can often lead to moments of intense burnout if I am not actively mindful of how I spend my time.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I show up in many spaces. During graduate school, my thesis focused on how trauma impacts brains and behaviors. I aspired to learn more about the science and research of trauma and what was happening every day with so many young people in my life. I am passionate about trauma-informed care and work part-time as a program manager for Trauma-Informed Utah, educating various organizations and businesses around the state about trauma-informed practices.
My heart and home are filled with teenagers that have navigated significant adversities and traumatic experiences in their lives with very little outside support. I see firsthand the brutal realities many are forced to experience and the devastating ways our systems fail these youth time and time again.
It is empowering to witness hundreds of local teens and volunteers regularly come together and actively create a space for people to feel seen, connect, heal, explore, and make positive memories. To reconnect the most ostracized populations with the local community. I deeply appreciate how people have come out of the woodwork to show up for teens across the state in the most remarkable, unique ways. It is sacred to watch the connection and healing up close.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
A key lesson I am learning is taking care of myself through boundaries, self-compassion, and self-care. I find it incredibly easy to prioritize my needs and health last. If you need me at 3 am, I will be there. Due to the nature of the trauma-filled spaces, parenting, and work I do, however, there is always a need. Throughout this journey, I have quickly learned that if I do not value my own life and health, I will not be here or able to do what I love. Setting boundaries has been critical for me to stay well. It can be difficult at times when so many people I love are in regular states of crisis but it is necessary for myself, my family, and all I choose to do in life. I need to value my life, too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.commonthreadut.com/
- Instagram: @rachgarrett
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-garrett-9979a19a
Image Credits
Powder League
