Rachel Field
Saint Mary’s is pleased to announce that Rachel Field has stepped into the role of Sexual Violence Advisor within the Sexual Violence Support Centre (SVSC) in Student Affairs and Services (SAAS).
In this role, Rachel will support students, faculty and staff in navigating and responding to experiences related to sexual violence and harassment, while also contributing to prevention, education and awareness initiatives across campus.
Her work includes providing confidential, trauma-informed support and response; supporting awareness and education initiatives through collaboration and oversight of the Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative and the Athletic Ambassadors Program; collaborating with campus and community partners to strengthen coordinated care and response pathways; and contributing to ongoing efforts to foster a safe, supportive and informed campus community.
Rachel brings a varied and interdisciplinary background in community-based support, education and care work. Most recently, she worked as a Community Outreach Worker with the Halifax Regional Centre for Education within the SchoolPlus program. Prior to this, Rachel worked across a range of settings, including addictions support services, youth care environments, and therapeutic practice contexts, including work as a music therapist. During her undergraduate studies at Acadia University, she also served as a resident assistant, contributing to student support and community-building in residence life.
Rachel holds a Master of Social Work from Wilfred Laurier University and brings a broad foundation of training, practice and lived professional experience across multiple helping professions.
“I try to approach people with empathy, consistency and clear boundaries,” says Rachel. “My work is grounded in a humanistic approach that recognizes people already carry a great deal of strength and resilience within themselves. Support, to me, is about helping create space for people to reconnect with that in a way that feels safe, respectful and collaborative.”
“Trauma-informed practice is often talked about as creating a ‘safe space,’ but safety is deeply personal,” Rachel explains. “What’s most important to me is being transparent, clear and responsible, while recognizing that every person’s experience and needs will look different.”
Rachel is thrilled to join the Saint Mary’s community and looks forward to experiencing the energy of the start of the academic year in September, from checking out the Welcome Weeks activities to Huskies games.
Please join us in welcoming Rachel Field to Saint Mary’s University!