Our Story
The Rachel Quinn Children’s Foundation was founded in 2021 by Rachel’s friends and family, who came together in the wake of her passing with one shared purpose: to ensure that Rachel’s love for children and education would continue to make a difference. Rachel was an elementary school teacher whose greatest gift was her heart. She believed every child deserved to feel seen, supported, and encouraged, and she carried those values into her classroom every single day.
Moved by the profound impact Rachel had on her students and those around her, the Foundation was created to support underprivileged children across Long Island by providing school supplies and vital educational resources. We also honor Rachel’s legacy by recognizing students who embody the kindness, empathy, and compassion she so naturally shared with others.
Every fundraiser, event, and donation helps us carry Rachel’s spirit forward — turning love into action and ensuring that her passion for helping children continues to shape young lives for years to come.
About Rachel
Rachel N. Quinn (Battaglia) was born on February 6, 1994, in Smithtown, New York. She was the second child of Robert and Sandra Battaglia and a loving sister to Robert and Reanna. From a young age, Rachel was known for her joyful spirit, warmth, and deep sense of care for others — qualities that only grew stronger as she did.
At just three years old, Rachel discovered her first passion: dance. She excelled in every style she pursued and continued dancing through her teenage years. Even then, her dedication, discipline, and creativity shone through in everything she did.
Rachel’s love for helping others guided her life’s path. From an early age, she knew she wanted to become an elementary school teacher. After graduating from the Hauppauge School District, Rachel attended Saint Joseph’s College in Patchogue, New York, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Study and a Master’s Degree in Literacy and Cognition. A committed student and natural leader, Rachel was deeply involved on campus. She was a devoted sorority member and served as President of Project Sunshine, a program dedicated to bringing joy and play to pediatric patients.
After college, Rachel achieved her dream of teaching in the Hauppauge School District — the same community where she grew up. Her interview was famously described as “the best ever,” setting what became known as “The Rachel Standard” for future candidates. Rachel taught fourth and fifth grade at Bretton Woods Elementary School, a role she cherished deeply. In her classroom, kindness was not just encouraged — it was foundational. Rachel poured her heart into shaping young minds and helping every child feel seen, valued, and capable.
Outside the classroom, Rachel was a deeply loving and devoted family member and friend. She was a proud pet mom to her dog, Winnie, and cat, Colt, and treasured time spent with those closest to her. Rachel found joy in life’s simple pleasures: visiting local Patchogue restaurants, reading, traveling, beach days, music, dancing, singing, and long walks. Her smile was constant, and her willingness to help others was effortless.
Above all, Rachel dreamed of building a family of her own. She was joyfully expecting her first child, Ellie Quinn, in the summer of 2021. Tragically and unexpectedly, the world lost both Rachel and Ellie on June 14, 2021.
Rachel is remembered as a beloved daughter, sister, mother-to-be, wife, teacher, and friend. She was a rare soul — beautiful inside and out — with a heart full of compassion and grace. Rachel touched countless lives through her kindness, her teaching, and her unwavering belief in the good in others. Her love for children and education lives on through the mission of this Foundation, ensuring that her spirit continues to make a difference.
The world is forever better for having had Rachel in it.
In honor of Rachel N. Quinn — Always Be Kind.