Rachel Simons

I live in Portland with my husband, Don Medd, and our two children, Lucy and Ben. We have been members of Bet Ha’am for almost 20 years.

I taught Shalom Yeladim (pre-school) and kindergarten for several years at Bet Ha’am Religious School, and I served on the education committee as well.

I am currently a Lecturer of Biology at the University of Southern Maine and have been at USM for 15 years. I earned my PhD in Biology from the University of Utah in 1997 and my BA from the University of Pennsylvania in 1987.

I am passionate about science and education, and I hope to bring my experience and support for teaching and learning to our Bet Ha’am community.

Both Lucy and Ben became B’nai Mitzvah at Bet Ha’am. Lucy also taught Hebrew to 1st and 2nd graders in the Religious School for several years. Lucy graduated from college this spring, and Ben begins college this fall.

Don is a physician with MaineHealth. As a family, we love the Maine outdoors – hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter.

I feel so fortunate that our family is part of this congregation and am honored to serve on the Board.