A BIT OF HISTORY
I became an educator because I wanted to help young people flourish.
I have taught in public and private school settings for 26 years. Students have filled my every day in my roles as Head of Faculty, Head of Welfare,
Deputy Principal and Classroom Teacher; I am a better person
for what young people have taught me.
After a student in my community took his life, I decided to actively work to help young people to realise their agency in building a culture of care. I invented Stymie; an anonymous online reporting system for use in schools internationally.
In 2022, Stymie delivered more than 95,000 notifications about self-harm, bullying, suicide ideation, family violence, illegal activity, sexual harassment, cyberbullying and mental health concerns.
I'M
RACH
DOWNIE.
EDUCATOR & SPEAKER
2020 QLD Australian of the Year
Since 2016 I have worked with more than 500 000 students, helping them to courageously stand up for themselves and their peers when they see or experience harm, both on and offline.
“Children have the right to live a full life. Children should be protected from any activities that could harm their development.”
(UN Convention on the Rights of the Child)
workshops
I workshop with students, staff and parents in school communities, to tackle issues of bullying and harm, eSafety, cyberwellness, personal safety and boundaries. The majority of workshops I deliver are conducted through two organisations: Stymie and Bravely. I also deliver custom eSafety workshops for schools and their communities, including staff PD and parent sessions.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
"I feel like I'm safer and I know more about how to look after myself and my friends. Thank you so much, we needed this."
- Student, Redbank Plains SHS
"That was AMAZING. Please please please get Rachel back, the way she talks to the girls about these big issues is fantastic, and I feel the girls got so much out of it (especially the smaller group this afternoon). Absolutely incredible."
- Teacher, Harristown SHS
"Rachel is open and honest. As a result of her program we have seen a change in the way our school operates. Rachel's knowledge, passion and presentation skills provided a range of 'ah ha' moments for our staff, students and parents."
- Principal, Toolooa SHS
"Rachel I am so grateful for your work. Thank you thank you thank you. I would encourage every school to have Rachel attend with this presentation and for every parent to attend."
- Parent, Cecil Hills HS
"Stymie has become an integral part of how we support student emotional health and wellbeing."
- Deputy Principal, Harristown SHS
"Rachel's presentations are engaging, thorough and interactive. She has worked with groups of up to 350 and she competently meets the needs of any audience."
- Principal, Tullawong SHS
CONTACT Me
Thank you for visiting. I'm excited about the prospect of working with your community.
If you would like more information, or are keen to book a presentation, you can get in touch with me here.