Rachel Hedman, MA

Audio Sample - Coming Soon

by Rachel Hedman

Telling Since: 1994

Location: Salt Lake Area

Chapter: Olympus

Phone: 801-879-5799

Email: rachelhedmanstories@gmail.com

Website: http://storycrossroads.org.

Types of Stories:Traditional, Folk & Fairy Tales plus speciality with adoption
folktales from around the world as well as original folkloric tales delving into mental
health

Books Written: Continuous publications with The Story Beast e-publication
(Managing Editor & Co-Founder); “How to be a Youth Teller Today & Beyond” e-
workbook

Rachel Hedman, M.A., has been a storyteller since 1994, overcoming early challenges to become a state finalist in Wisconsin. She founded the BYU Storytelling Club and was the first recipient of the J.J. Reneaux Mentorship Grant from the National Storytelling Network. Rachel has mentored youth storytellers for over 15 years, earning the Arne
Nixon Storytelling Award and has held leadership roles with the Utah Storytelling Guild and national storytelling organizations.

She earned her Master’s in Storytelling from East Tennessee State University, focusing her thesis on adoption folktales — an important subject in her own family’s adoption journey. Rachel has received the ORACLE Award, the Karen J. Ashton Award, and was inducted into the ETSU Communications & Storytelling Hall of Fame in 2025.

In 2015, Rachel founded Story Crossroads, growing it from an annual festival into a year-round nonprofit supporting storytelling arts through performances, workshops, and training. As Founding Executive Director, she successfully led the 10th Annual Story Crossroads Summit & Festival in May 2025, further cementing the organization’s role in
the community and advancing its vision of an Olympic-level storytelling event by 2030.

West Haven’s inaugural Storytelling Festival “Barn Yarns”
Monday, October 13, 2025
6:30pm-8:30pm
“The Barn”
3785 Green Farms Way
West Haven, UT 84401
Cost: Free, open to all

Saturday, October 25, 2025
Morning/Afternoon
North Salt Lake City Spooktacular Fun Run with pre & post-race activities (like
storytelling)

Monday-Thursday, March 9-12, 2026
Weber State University Storytelling Festival
Go to http://weber.edu/storytelling

Thursday, November 20, 2025
Helping to Judge Youth Tellers
Salt Lake City Storytelling Showcase

Saturday, January 3, 2026
Virtual Workshop, more details will be shared at
http://storycrossroads.org/AllThingsStory

Folktales About Families
The Adoption World through Traditional Tales
My Folkloric Life, original takes on mental health journeys

 

The Art of Pivoting

In today’s ever-changing world, organizations thrive not by standing still but by knowing
how—and when—to pivot. Drawing on more than three decades of experience in the storytelling
field, Rachel Hedman (recipient of the Karen J. Ashton Storytelling Award and ETSU
Storytelling Hall of Fame) will guide you through the art of leading change without losing your
core mission.
Through story, strategy, and real-world examples, participants will:
● Discover how to pivot while staying true to organizational values.
● Explore flexible, creative strategies—including diversified revenue streams—that build
financial and community resilience.
● Strengthen leadership through deep listening, storytelling, and collaboration.

Whether you are an arts leader, nonprofit professional, or entrepreneur, this workshop equips
you with tools to adapt with confidence and clarity—while keeping your community at the heart
of the journey.

How to be a Youth Teller Today & Beyond

Every young storyteller has a unique voice—and the power to make a lasting impact. In this
interactive workshop, participants will explore how to find, shape, and share their stories with
confidence. Based on the forthcoming e-workbook How to be a Youth Teller Today & Beyond by
Rachel Hedman, this session blends practical tips with hands-on activities designed for youth
and the adults who champion them.
Together, we will:
● Uncover tools to build stage presence and connect with audiences.
● Practice strategies for overcoming nerves and embracing creativity.
● Explore how storytelling can open doors—today, and in the future.

Whether you dream of performing at festivals, leading in your community, or simply learning to
tell stories in your own way, this workshop will inspire and equip you to step forward with your
story.

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This page is provided as a benefit of being a member of the Utah Storytelling Guild.