About me
Rachel Ames initiated her work in the behavioral health continuum of care in 2005, providing trauma-informed and culturally responsive counseling services to individuals, couples, and families in several school and clinic settings in San Antonio, TX. Her prior experience as a research assistant studying stress and coping at Vanderbilt University fueled her commitment to develop and expand her knowledge and skills while empowering others to do the same. It was her privilege as a military spouse to dedicate herself to serving military-connected individuals and communities around the country from 2007 until 2023. In that capacity, she established and served as the first director of a family support group at a remote assignment, provided a personal narrative in support of the Maryland Veterans Full Employment Act of 2013, and launched a Commander’s Key Support program for an atypical squadron to enhance unit family readiness, crucial during the initial phase of the Covid-19 global pandemic. She has contributed to the evaluation of Air Force training programs for airmen and families, addressing high-priority topics including sexual assault, suicide, and resilience. Since joining the Centers of Excellence within the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy in 2023, her efforts have focused on evaluating and improving the intersections of behavioral health, public safety, and criminal justice with special emphasis on developing a statewide model for crisis intervention that fully integrates the community and first responders. She is honored to partner with Maryland communities as they prioritize the development of equitable community health and public safety strategies.
