Rachel Russo is a Matchmaker and Relationship Coach for Master Matchmakers in the greater NYC area.(To learn more about herorganization,which VH1's Tough Love is based on, check out www.mastermatchmakers.com) In addition, Rachel currently writes for several publications on relationships and dating and works with a handful of freelance clients in a coaching context. Somewhere after earning her BA in Psychology from Rutgers University and her MS in Marriage & Family Therapy from Iona College, she learned the value of embracing all parts of her "Self". As someone who has always thrived on filling her life with diverse and creative experiences, Rachel has often joked that she'd need dozens of lives to accomplish everything she dreams of. With all her love, she is inspiring both men and women to be the best versions of their selves by challenging the dominant cultural norms that limit their greatness.
Rachel is an "It" girl on a mission to save the world-one relationship at a time, as she whole-heartedly believes that relationships are the building blocks of society. She's had quite the ball promoting self-love and relational bliss, ever since she pursued a "unique social work opportunity" in a gig as a Matchmaker with an online dating start-up company, five years ago. As she heightened her understanding of the dating industry as a Matchmaker for Great Date Now and a recruiter for Master Matchmakers, she developed a special place in her heart for those who suffer from unhealthy, unsatisfying relationships. She currently enjoys coaching singles and couples in navigating the modern day world of on/offline dating and relationships.
Her profound understanding of human nature and gender dynamics, coupled with her previous practice of psychotherapy at The Training Institute of Mental Health and St. Francis of Assisi Counseling Center, have given Rachel the ability to connect and empathize with people of all different cultures, ages, genders, races, and sexual orientations. In addition, her past clinical experience fosters the creation of a safe, warm, and effective coaching relationship.
Indeed, Rachel's personal, professional, and educational experiences have made for some interesting writing to say the least. Her love affair with the written word started in the form of journaling (around the same time her passion for the performing arts was sparked) at age 11. Currently, Rachel is the Featured Relationship Expert on Real Beauty Is and Beauties On The Go, as well as the New York New Relationships Examiner on Examiner.com. In addition to writing articles, she writes a women's self-help blog, as well as marketing copy and content for those in helping professions like psychotherapy and coaching. Often called "the next Carrie Bradshaw," Rachel is flirting with many ideas for the columns and books of her future.
Above all, whether she is increasing a client's self-confidence in a coaching session or capturing real beauty with a pen, Rachel Russo is dedicated to living a life that celebrates all of who she is, while encouraging others to partake in their own unique celebrations.