MNAFEE Announces Leadership Transition: Welcoming Rachel Chrastil as New Executive Director
May 15, 2025
The Minnesota Association for Family and Early Education (MNAFEE) is pleased to announce an important leadership transition. After many dedicated years of exceptional service as Executive Director, Linda Vukelich will be retiring this fall. While Linda's guidance and expertise will be greatly missed, we are excited to introduce Rachel Chrastil as MNAFEE's incoming Executive Director.
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A Legacy of Leadership
Throughout her tenure, Linda has been the driving force behind countless MNAFEE initiatives that have strengthened early childhood and family education across Minnesota. Her passion, vision, and tireless advocacy have elevated our organization and expanded our impact on families and communities statewide. Linda's contributions to MNAFEE have been immeasurable, and her leadership has positioned our organization as a respected voice for children and families throughout Minnesota. Linda will continue to lead MNAFEE through the summer months, ensuring a smooth transition as Rachel assumes her new role. |
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Introducing Rachel Chrastil
MNAFEE is delighted to announce that Rachel Chrastil will join our organization as Executive Director beginning in early June. Rachel will work closely with Linda throughout the summer months to ensure a seamless leadership transition.
Rachel brings over 20 years of experience supporting children, families, and nonprofit organizations. Since 2018, she has served as the Executive Coordinator for the National Parent Education Network (NPEN), a volunteer-led organization committed to advancing the field of parent education. In this role, she provides essential administrative and communications support, manages digital content, and ensures the smooth operation of board activities.
Previously, Rachel worked as a Home Visitor with the Parent-Child Home Program, partnering with families to foster early learning, strengthen parenting skills, and connect them with valuable community resources. In addition to the above roles, she has contributed in various capacities to mission-driven organizations such as the Homeless Prenatal Program, Doing Good Together and the Diaper Bank of Minnesota.
Rachel holds a Master of Education in Family Education, along with a license in Family and Parent Education, from the University of Minnesota. She earned her B.A. in Sociology with honors from the University of San Francisco. She lives in South Minneapolis with her partner and their two young children.
Looking Ahead
The MNAFEE Board of Directors is confident that Rachel's extensive experience in family education, coupled with her demonstrated commitment to supporting children and families, makes her exceptionally qualified to lead MNAFEE into its next chapter. Her background in parent education and nonprofit management aligns perfectly with MNAFEE's mission and values.
Please join us in expressing our profound gratitude to Linda Vukelich for her remarkable service to MNAFEE and in extending a warm welcome to Rachel Chrastil as she joins the MNAFEE family.
For questions or additional information about this transition, please contact the MNAFEE office.
MNAFEE is delighted to announce that Rachel Chrastil will join our organization as Executive Director beginning in early June. Rachel will work closely with Linda throughout the summer months to ensure a seamless leadership transition.
Rachel brings over 20 years of experience supporting children, families, and nonprofit organizations. Since 2018, she has served as the Executive Coordinator for the National Parent Education Network (NPEN), a volunteer-led organization committed to advancing the field of parent education. In this role, she provides essential administrative and communications support, manages digital content, and ensures the smooth operation of board activities.
Previously, Rachel worked as a Home Visitor with the Parent-Child Home Program, partnering with families to foster early learning, strengthen parenting skills, and connect them with valuable community resources. In addition to the above roles, she has contributed in various capacities to mission-driven organizations such as the Homeless Prenatal Program, Doing Good Together and the Diaper Bank of Minnesota.
Rachel holds a Master of Education in Family Education, along with a license in Family and Parent Education, from the University of Minnesota. She earned her B.A. in Sociology with honors from the University of San Francisco. She lives in South Minneapolis with her partner and their two young children.
Looking Ahead
The MNAFEE Board of Directors is confident that Rachel's extensive experience in family education, coupled with her demonstrated commitment to supporting children and families, makes her exceptionally qualified to lead MNAFEE into its next chapter. Her background in parent education and nonprofit management aligns perfectly with MNAFEE's mission and values.
Please join us in expressing our profound gratitude to Linda Vukelich for her remarkable service to MNAFEE and in extending a warm welcome to Rachel Chrastil as she joins the MNAFEE family.
For questions or additional information about this transition, please contact the MNAFEE office.