Rachel Pedersen has been in recovery since 1997. She and her wife, Monica, reside in Aberdeen with their two children, daughter Alex and son Adam, along with a few four-legged family members.  Rachel holds a Master’s in Public Administration and a Master’s in Nonprofit Management and Leadership. As a self-professed lifelong learner, she continually seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge and skills. Rachel’s professional journey includes significant roles such as Legislative Aide for the Harford County Council and the Maryland General Assembly. Rachel has also dedicated herself to volunteering with various organizations in Harford County, collaborating with community and elected leaders on numerous issues.

 In 2022, Rachel found herself at a career crossroads and took a break to spend quality time with her family. During this period, she pursued training to become a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and instantly knew she had found her calling. In her search for fulfilling work, Rachel repeatedly encountered the name “Voices of Hope.” Upon researching the organization, she was drawn to its mission and vision so profoundly that she decided to volunteer regardless of the outcome of her job application. Rachel was hired as the Harford County Program Supervisor in January 2023, and she has thrived in this role ever since. Rachel proudly states, “It is both an honor and a privilege to work for an organization like Voices of Hope that genuinely cares about its employees and the communities we serve. Every day brings new opportunities and challenges, and I am grateful to contribute to our growth and partnership in Harford County. Collaborating with dedicated organizations to fill gaps and support our community is truly fulfilling. I am especially passionate about educating the community that we do recover, fostering hope and understanding for those on their recovery journey.”