Rachel Nehmer was introduced to circus arts at French Woods Festival in 1995. Despite her honest attempt to become a normal person, earning her BS in Biology at Haverford College and taking a job in research at UW, she couldn’t stay away for long. In 2004, she began working with her now-husband Ben Wendel to form a trapeze duet right here at SANCA. Known as Duo Madrona, Rachel and Ben have performed thousands of shows all over the world. Highlights include the Cirque de Demain Festival, Circus Monti, Circus Syzygy, Palazzo, and Teatro Zinzanni. Rachel has worn many hats here at SANCA over the years, and is very happy to continue her work on the leadership team as Program Director.