Rachelle Bennett was involved for many years in elementary education, and was a public school teacher for seven years. Later she was elected to lead the Parents' Group of South Hillsborough School. Subsequently she joined the Board of Trustees for the Nueva School in Hillsborough where she was in charge of fundraising for twelve years.

Rachelle was a Board Member for four years of an International Peace Group and met with numerous Heads of State to discuss nuclear disarmament and world peace.

She has worked as a Medical Administrator at a large physician office for over thirty years and has been married to a physician for forty-six years. They have one daughter who is currently in graduate school pursuing a PsyD.

Rachelle is the founder and leader of a multi-generational women's group devoted to personal growth, education and the celebration of life. She supports the Institute for Health & Healing in numerous ways including as chair of the "1,000 Hands of Healing" event. Shelley joined the Council in 2000.