Originally from Arlington, VA, Rachel joins us most recently from Nashville, TN, where she served as Pastor and Head of Staff at Harpeth Presbyterian Church. Prior to her time at Harpeth, Rachel served as the Associate Pastor for Youth and Young Adults at Second Presbyterian Church, Roanoke, VA, and as a chaplain at Duke University Hospital.

Rachel earned a degree in Classics and Sociology from Furman University, an MDiv from Duke Divinity School, and a DMin from Columbia Theological Seminary.

Her greatest joys in ministry are in community building, faith formation, and preaching. In all aspects of her ministry, Rachel is committed to sharing the expansive love of God.

Rachel is married to Noah, a radiology resident at UVA. Their life is joyfully full, with their infant son Simon and beloved troublemaking dog, Bubble. In their free time you will often find them cooking, hiking, reading, or playing disc golf. The Thompson Orfield family is thrilled to be part of the First Pres community!