Originally from upstate New York, Rachael Yoder is a professional actor, ICF Certified Professional Coach, facilitator, and educator currently based in Chicago, where she lives with her husband Michael. She holds an MFA in Acting from Northern Illinois University and a BA in Theater from SUNY College at Brockport. She is a graduate of the Stella Adler Studio of Acting 2-Year Conservatory Program and a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association.
In addition to her work on stage and screen, Rachael is committed to utilizing applied theater techniques outside of a traditional theater setting and is the Founder & Principal Consultant at Human(ity) Resources LLC, where she works extensively as an Actor/Facilitator with prominent corporate clients. She facilitates multi-week leadership development programming and collaborates with Human Resource departments to achieve broader organizational development goals. A DDI Certified Facilitator and ICF Certified Professional Coach, Rachael integrates her performance background with evidence-based leadership methodologies to create transformative learning experiences.
Rachael also serves on the leadership team of The Outer Loop Theater Experience, a 501(c)(3) theater and humanitarian organization focused on Theater for Social Change and new work development. With The Outer Loop, she helps oversee The Humanity Project, an arts-based initiative that supports community development projects in Tanzania. Through her work with The Outer Loop, she has overseen the production of multiple theatrical projects that shed light on the needs of remote Tanzanian villages—leading to the construction of a maternity clinic, a health center, four wells, and a community market. She is deeply passionate about equity, social justice, and supporting marginalized and underserved communities through artistic and developmental initiatives.
Alongside her corporate and humanitarian work, Rachael is on faculty at Green Shirt Studio in Chicago, where she teaches acting classes rooted in the Meisner Technique, helping actors cultivate truthful, instinctive, and emotionally available performances.
Rachael brings a grounded intensity, authentic warmth, and emotional duality to her work on stage and screen.