The Olive Shed Team
Rachel Lawrence
Director of Youth Programs
The Olive Shed is proud to welcome Rachel Lawrence as Director of Youth Programs. Rachel brings more than sixteen years of experience in education, curriculum development, and instructional design, along with a deep commitment to helping young people learn through meaningful, real-world experiences.
Rachel holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and Teaching from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Arts in Higher Education from Kaplan University. We are delighted to have Rachel join the team and the cause for which we are passionate.
Rachel Lawrence is an educator, writer, and visionary leader dedicated to creating opportunities for young people to learn through experience. With more than sixteen years in education, she has built her career around empowering students to think critically, collaborate, and develop confidence through meaningful challenges.
For the past 15 years, Rachel has volunteered at Beyond Imagination Alpaca Farm, helping care for more than 30 alpacas, two goats, and a llama. She also designs engaging programs and supports community events that connect visitors of all ages with the animals, sharing the joy and unique experience of life on the farm. 🦙
Her work has always centered on the belief that the most powerful learning happens when students move beyond traditional classrooms and engage directly with the world around them.
As Director of The Olive Shed, Rachel brings this philosophy to life through innovative youth initiatives that combine hands-on learning, teamwork, and environmental stewardship. She helps lead programs such as GILAYO® JUNIOR, where young people work together to build modular structures that will be used in their own future adventures. Through these projects, students develop practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and a sense of ownership in what they create.
Rachel’s leadership focuses on expanding The Olive Shed’s impact by connecting youth with real-world experiences that inspire confidence, creativity, and a deeper connection to their communities and natural environments.
