Staff Spotlight: Rachel Simon

Rachel Simon, a passionate advocate for families and a dedicated member of the Family Involvement Strategies (FIS) team at Family Service Rochester (FSR). Originally from Crystal Lake, Illinois, she graduated from Winona State University in 2020 with a degree in social work and a minor in women, gender, and sexuality studies. Her journey into the helping profession was driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families.

Rachel’s introduction to FSR began with an internship at PACE, where she quickly realized that FSR aligned with her values and aspirations. She joined the FIS team in February 2021. In her role, Rachel brings family voices to the forefront, recognizing that families know their children best. She actively facilitates meetings, coordinates team consultations, and bridges the gap between services and families to ensure that every child receives the support they need.

A strong believer in empowering families, Rachel enjoys the collaborative environment at FSR, where wellness, work-life balance, and transparency are prioritized. She appreciates the opportunities for staff to connect and share knowledge across generations, allowing her to learn from her more experienced colleagues while contributing her own insights as a younger professional.

Rachel's experience of starting her career during the COVID-19 pandemic taught her the importance of connection. Initially working from home, she felt the challenges of isolation but was warmly welcomed by her coworkers when she transitioned to in-office work in mid-2021. This sense of community helped her navigate changes, including the recent contract adjustments, and reinforced her commitment to supporting families through uncertain times.

Rachel is also actively involved in the Principles of Partnership group, where she seeks to deepen her engagement with FSR and uphold the organization’s core values. Her dedication to fostering personal connections reflects the her values of emphasizing the importance of building relationships in the workplace.