Print Anchor Copied! Copy a link to this section of the page

Do not be afraid to explore. College is not just about finding your career path. It is about finding your voice and developing your critical thinking skills so that you can better navigate our world.

Rachel Aumann, MSW, MPH
Clinical Instructor and Program Coordinator

  • Faculty
Health and Human Performance
Contact Rachel
Office
Nursing and Health Sciences, 144
Related Department
Health and Human Performance
Curriculum Vitae

Rachel Aumann is a social worker and public health practitioner with extensive experience in higher education, medical social work and mental health promotion. Her background includes student affairs, residential education, case management, student advocacy and support, student organizational leadership development, and crisis intervention and clinical practice. Aumann is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing, and she aims to bring a client-centered, strengths-based approach to instruction.

As a clinical instructor, Aumann is deeply committed to preparing students with practical skills for the field of public health, integrating real-world applications with theoretical foundations. She emphasizes critical thinking, self-reflection, and hands-on learning so students develop the confidence and competence needed for professional practice across a variety of public health settings. Aumann's teaching philosophy is rooted in health and mental health promotion, stress management, and prevention so that students are equipped to support individuals and communities in diverse settings while supporting their own well-being.

A Conversation with Rachel

What advice would you give a prospective or current student about choosing a major?

Do not be afraid to explore. College is not just about finding your career path. It is about finding your voice and developing your critical thinking skills so that you can better navigate our world. Be open to taking classes that may sound esoteric or uninteresting on the surface. You never know what might spark your interest. It is also OKAY to have no idea what it is you want to do. I have pivoted numerous times in my career, which was all possible because of the wide array of interests I developed in college and graduate school. Explore. Lean in. And ask all of the questions.

Was there a specific teacher or professor who influenced you most?

Many professors and instructors across my undergraduate and graduate years played a transformational role in my education and career journeys. The first person was my teacher/counselor at my independent study high school program. She had the opportunity to prevent me from graduating due to truancy, but she saw something in me and gave me a second chance. That was 25 years ago, and I use that lesson every day, giving second chances. Next, there was a college advisor at my community college who discouraged me from applying to transfer because he didn't think I was capable. That lit the fire beneath me, and not only did I transfer, but I did so on an abbreviated timeline. That experience made me vow to never put doubt in the mind of any student. Last, my academic advisor in my social work master's program was pivotal to me finding my place and my voice. He was the first person to truly see me and my capabilities as a social worker. I try to embody his presence and intention in all that I do.

What classes were most helpful in your academic journey?

There are so many classes I could talk about across my undergraduate and graduate years, but I suppose the classes that had the most impact on me were two taught by the same professor: health psychology and clinical health psychology. These courses introduced me to health education and promotion, including how environmental factors impact our day-to-day lives and how behavior change works to get us on the path to thriving. This is also what sparked my interest in the impacts of stress on our cognitive, emotional, physical, physiological, behavioral and social lives. I feel fortunate that I get to teach a stress management course here at ETAMU, which integrates all of those concepts and allows students to use themselves as a case study.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I will start this by saying I do not like the term “spare time” as it implies that doing things that are relaxing and enjoyable should only be done when we are done with every other task. That mentality can lead us to high levels of unnecessary stress and even burnout. Rather, I prefer to talk about activities I engage in that re-center me and prepare me to be the best instructor, friend, family member, wife, fur mom and citizen that I can be. Those things include running, working out, doing crosswords, hiking, walking my dogs, dancing, finding new tidbits to learn, and sometimes just sitting and existing (which, I have learned, is a skill). I do these activities because they are enjoyable, they fill me with peace, help me release tension, and prepare me to return to work and relationships with a clear mind and intentional focus.

Do you have any hidden talents or surprising skills?

I participate in endurance events (road and trail running and triathlon, all distances). I am also a certified group fitness instructor, spin instructor, and running and triathlon coach. Prior to COVID-19, I was a coach for a triathlon team, and I oversaw the run and strength-training workouts. I also taught spin three times a week and a running class for three years. I miss coaching and hope to get back into that now that I am in Texas.

Education

Experience

  • Clinical Instructor, East Texas A&M University, 2023-Present
  • Teaching Assistant, University of California, 2008

Teaching Areas

  • B.S., Public Health (Health Sciences and Public Health professional)

Research Areas

  • Student support navigation stress and its impact on student learning outcomes.
  • Integrating lived experience into classroom teaching in the areas of substance use and eating disorders.

Professional Associations

Navigate This Page