Staff Spotlight, Rachel Burke

Tell us about yourself! 

My name is Rachel Burke, and I am the Therapeutic Assistant (TA) Manager at our Adult Hospital in Durham, North Carolina. I originally started with our amazing Child and Adolescent Hospital in Durham as a Therapeutic Assistant in 2016. Since then, I have held a variety of roles, such as a Therapeutic Assistant Supervisor and Site Trainer for the Adult Hospital before landing in the TA Manager position. I am also a Crisis Prevention and Intervention Instructor specializing in verbal de-escalation.  

Describe the educational path that led you to Veritas Collaborative.

I have always wanted to make an impact and help others. In college, I changed my major a few times to figure out a balance between my love for athletics and psychology. When I graduated, I wanted to be a sports psychologist for the NFL—go Eagles! The more time I spent in the wellness world, the more I realized the pressure athletes are under to fit certain arbitrary standards. That’s when I started my research on eating disorders, and I have been advocating and educating ever since! 

What motivates you to show up for work each day?

My colleagues. I have worked in this field since 2008, in all different roles, care levels, and facility types. I can honestly say Veritas has the most compassionate, caring, and hard-working staff I have had the pleasure of working with. Every day I witness all my colleagues—from frontline to culinary and everyone in between—doing all they can to provide the best care possible for our clients!   

What do you like to do when you aren’t working?

When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. We’re a big cookout and game night group, so it’s always fun. I love live music and enjoy going to concerts. (I can often be found anywhere there is Motown or a live Blues Band!) Traveling is a huge passion of mine as well, but when I am home, I can be found supporting community events as a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated.

What piece of advice would you give to those struggling with eating disorders? 

You are seen, you are heard, you are valued, you matter, you can do hard things, and are capable of more than you would ever imagine! Starting your recovery journey can seem overwhelming or even scary, but you don’t have to take that first step alone. We will lead you through it every step of the way.