Please feel free to contact me at any time!
Email: danielle_rail@roundrockisd.org
Class phone: (512) 428-3218(classroom)
You are also able to message me through TalkingPoints (parents/guardians) as well.
Welcome!
I grew up in Central Kentucky and moved to Texas (the first time) in 1998. I began working as an ER Trauma Tech at what was then Brackenridge Hospital, and during those six years, I completely fell in love with medicine. In 2004, after receiving my Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from St. Edward's University (I was a late bloomer in terms of academics...), I returned to Kentucky for medical school. I completed my didactic years in Pikeville, KY, and did my first year of clinical rotations in Corinth, MS.
During these first few years of medical school, I experienced a medical crisis of sorts that developed into a neurological condition that unfortunately persisted for several years, affecting my physical and cognitive abilities. As a result of the chronicity of my illness, at the beginning of my fourth year of med school, I went on medical leave for a period of time before making the difficult decision to withdraw from school permanently. After withdrawing, I decided that Austin was the place I needed to be to heal, so I made my way back as soon as I possibly could. My husband and I currently live in North Austin with our 4 kitties, and I can't imagine living anywhere else at this time.
After returning to ATX in 2009, while focusing on my health, I immersed myself in several hobbies - making jewelry and learning how to cook and bake as many tasty things as possible. During this time, I also decided to pursue a long-held goal of entering the field of education. Thus, I began my quest to become a teacher. Though I love teaching, my experiences with my kids, and my personal experiences dealing with medical crises, I have decided to use these experiences and explore them further by pursuing my Master of Science in Social Work. I am now a Longhorn - I have completed my first year of my master's program at UT School of Social Work. I am attending grad school part-time because I aim to teach full-time for as long as possible as I continue through the program. I am excited for this year as I am approaching the end of my graduate degree, so this year will be hectic! But, some things are worth the temporary struggle...
I have been teaching here at McNeil for a while and have loved every year. I have taught multiple subjects, including Anatomy and physiology, Biology, Human Body Systems, Medical Terminology, Medical Microbiology and Pathophysiology, and Principles of Health Science.
I am excited to share all of my experiences with you as we progress throughout the year. If you have questions or concerns at any time, never hesitate to contact me. Feel free to email or call, and I will address your concerns as best I can. And if I don't have the answers, I will find out where to get them!
I aim to have a classroom that embraces every student and serves as a safe space for everyone who enters. Students will always be encouraged to be their authentic selves, and I believe it is my duty to support them in any way possible.
I have no doubt that working together can give our kids a fantastic year!
Mrs. R's Favorite Things:
KITTIES! We have four little (okay, not-so-little) ones: Quimby, Frankie, Cora, and Perrin
My husband, Séamus (he is a Therapist/Social Worker with the Veterans Administration)
Social Justice advocacy
All things tasty
My friends
Making a difference by trying to do just a little good each day
Corny jokes
Music
Movies
COFFEE
Did I mention cats?
Flowers
Unicorns
Making jewelry
Painting
Medicine/Biology/Anatomy & Physiology (These are seriously some of my favorite topics/classes...be warned, lol!)