Meet Dr. Rachel Kovach | Author & Disability Education Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Rachel Kovach and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Rachel, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
My work life balance has evolved throughout my life. We are a product of the hustler generation. If you aren’t working multiple jobs with additional side hustles, you aren’t able to support yourself or your family. At one point, I was balancing two full time jobs, a PhD program, and my book tour all at once. It was exhilarating and exhausting. However, that intensity isn’t sustainable. I am grateful to now be able to readdress my work life balance, and give more intention to my writing and creativity. Walking the Camino Santiago pilgrimage provided me healing and perspective that helped me get back to simplicity and balance. Now, life gives honor and time to work, but more to family and self-care.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I would say that I am a jack of all trades. As an author, educator turned doctor (PhD baby!), and advocate, I believe my voice continues evolving and adjusting every year.

My first published work was DisHarmony: a Jigsaw Collection of Misguided Dating. That book was helpful during the pandemic. Not only is it a true accounting of my hideous love life and journey to improved self-worth, but it provides a purposeful sense of creativity and connection that people could enjoy reading during the chaos of the Covid-19 pandemic. Having that creative outlet provided a path of escape that empowered me while I adjusted to the nearly paralyzing challenges of teaching from home and working on my doctoral studies. The connections I have made throughout the entertainment industry have changed my relationship with writing, story and film development, and the importance of believing in your writing and not sacrificing it for mere financial gain.

My writing took a very different turn at the close of 2022 when my dissertation pathway shifted in my PhD program. I had chosen to utilize qualitative case studies as my platform for research, which allowed me to collect and explain my research findings with more detail and connection, which is very reflective of my personality. However, as I dove into my research, my passion for learning more about how to empower and advocate for my students created a new fire in my writing and research abilities. It felt as if I couldn’t stop the enthusiasm in my body and bones if I tried. I wanted share my work with everyone, and every road block left me angry and full of fire. I thank God everyday for my dissertation chair, Dr. Cristian Raby of Knoxville, Tennessee, for putting up with my wild California passion and bringing me back to earth so I could return to yet another set of revisions.

The publishing of my dissertation provided a very different feel of accomplishment and purpose than when DisHarmony was published, even though they are only four years apart. Disharmony was a collection of many love letters and memories of my checkered dating past that not only helped me learn to love myself, but has helped others connect to my experiences and celebrated their growth and changes in their own journeys. However, when Empowerment & Advocacy Culture within Higher Education for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities was published, I wasn’t just sharing my own experiences and insights. Instead, I was honoring all of my students I’ve ever taught, all those who strive to improve themselves academically and professionally, and the fields of academia through the publishing of my work. It was daunting, and yet it was something I am proud helps many across the country today.

If anyone in the world wanted to know about me and my brand and/or story, I hope they can take away that the journey is never truly over. We are life-long learners destined to change and evolve, even after we reach the highest level we can possibly attain. With every closed door is an opportunity to kick that door down and improve the narrative. I am very eager to continue writing and hopefully improve our world in a new way soon.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The city of Los Angeles has so many hidden gems that make it incredible to enjoy. The best restaurant in the area is & Waffles in North Hollywood. Serge and his team make everyone feel valued and important in his restaurant. You will never have better Chicken and Waffles! Truly, an incredible experience that will make you return over and over again.

The NoHo Arts District is a diverse area filled with activities for each type of person. Bouncing from El Tejano to Fat Dog, and closing the evening with cocktails at The Federal are great ways to enjoy your night on the town.

If you’re looking for a trip focused on self-care, treat yourself to a hair styling session with Hair Artist, Tate Whitney, at Colori Salon in Universal City. As creator of the Twwisk, Tate will create exceptional color that provides you transformative and healthy hair treatments that last for months. After great hair care, I recommend a massage at Heaven Massage & Wellness in Studio City followed by a Mocha Tesora at Philz Coffee on Ventura Blvd or Aroma Cafe off Tujunga and Moorpark.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A huge shout out of gratitude to all those who have read and connected with DisHarmony: a Jigsaw Collection of Misguided Dating, and Empowerment and Advocacy Culture within Higher Education for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: a Qualitative Case Study. May my experiences and insights provide you clarity and strength to embrace your obstacles and adventures.

Website: https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/5530/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rrkovach/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-kovach-431a7620a

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachel.kovach/