Raquel is thrilled to have relocated to Tennessee from Los Angeles, where she resided for the past eighteen years. Having earned a Master’s Degree in Theater from California State University, Northridge, and an Interdisciplinary Studies Field Bachelor’s Degree from UC Berkeley, Raquel has been fortunate to make a living both as an actress, producer, and acting teacher. Her passion to tell stories and honor the playwrights is apparent through her craft. As a SAG-AFTRA member, Raquel has been a part of many films, including A Life Lived, with Denise Richards, Deception, with Sonia Curtis, and The Extendables, with Brian Thompson, to name a few. On stage, Raquel has starred in and produced the award-winning musical The Night of the Black Cat which ran for about a year. Other theater credits include The Bacchae, at the Getty Villa in Malibu, The Miser, California Suite, Beyond Therapy, and The Doctor Despite Himself. Raquel has also worked as an actress in Brazil, Argentina, and Greece. Raquel has over twenty years of teaching experience and is delighted to join the CYT team. Her passion for helping others develop their talents and expand their creativity through a safe environment is evident through her teaching. Raquel’s light sense of humor and positivity create great learning and exploratory experiences for all.