A Canadian by origin, Rachel began her optometry education at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, where she completed an Honours Science degree. She moved to Australia to continue her studies, attending the Victorian College of Optometry at the University of Melbourne. She graduated the optometry program in 2002, and has practised in Canada, Australia and New Zealand. She moonlights as a stand-up comedian under her maiden name and has appeared in televised comedy events in both Australia and Canada, and has won numerous awards for her comedic talents.