<bt>Rachel Hoover is a longtime resident of the community who has accomplished many things in her life. She is concerned with the way that the community has been growing. She wants to go back to school to get a Ph.D. She is this week's People Profile.
Number of years in the community. I have lived in this community for 21 years.
Family. I am single. I don't have any children, unless you include my two pets Rilee and Bailee. My parents are Gerald and Judith Hoover who have lived in Orange Hunt since 1985.
Education: I graduated from Lake Braddock Secondary School in Burke. I received two degrees in psychology and criminal justice with a minor is sociology from Radford University in Radford, Va. I received a master's degree in education and human development from George Washington University.
Current job/primary occupation? My primary occupation is as a counselor. My current job is an Elementary School Counselor for FCPS.
Achievements: I am National Counselor Certified; accepted into a competitive program for Ph.D. in clinical psychology; selected as a Federal Grant Reviewer to review children and family grant programs for FYSB (Family and Youth Services Bureau) and Department of Education and HUD; lastly, I have Red Cross Disaster Services Training.
Activities/interests/hobbies? I enjoy swimming, reading, yoga, interior design, antique/vintage shopping and traveling.
Favorite local restaurant or place in the community? Featherstone Antique Mall. It has something for just about everyone.
What are your community concerns? My concern is the rapid growth of the area, which is creating a more impersonal, less kind community. An Idea on how to improve that is to focus on not losing the "personal touch" and work to promote genuine acceptance and inclusion of all individuals and families.
What brought you here? Family, friends and opportunity for professionals.
What community "hidden treasure" do you think more people should know about? Hidden Pond Nature Center.
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you "grew up?" I wanted to be a sports anchor.
Where do you see yourself in five years? In five years, I see myself doing something I love.
Personal goals? Complete Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and work with the One Campaign to promote awareness of extreme poverty in Africa.