“But they who wait for the Lord Shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

Rachel’s Story

Triumphing Over Trauma

Rachel Goodman’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Having endured the horrors of domestic violence firsthand, she bravely shares her harrowing experiences to empower others to break free from abusive relationships. Her narrative sheds light on the trauma inflicted by her abuser, a man who nearly claimed her life on multiple occasions. Despite the charming facade he initially presented, Rachel’s relationship spiraled into a nightmare characterized by physical and emotional abuse, leaving her teetering on the brink of despair.

Having recently stood up to her abuser in court, Rachel she grapples with the murder of her mother to a similar fate. Bearing witness to her mother’s fatal encounter with domestic violence serves as a haunting reminder of the insidious cycle of abuse that plagues countless families. Undeterred by the staggering weight of her grief, Rachel shoulders the responsibility of raising three children single-handedly, determined to shield them from the same horrors she endured.

Amidst the chaos of her tumultuous personal life, Rachel confronts yet another daunting challenge as her youngest child faces a life-threatening heart condition. The relentless onslaught of adversity only serves to deepen her resolve as she navigates the complexities of motherhood while grappling with her own trauma. Through unwavering determination and an unyielding commitment to her children’s well-being, Rachel emerges as a beacon of hope in the face of overwhelming darkness.

Rachel’s journey from victim to survivor is a testament to the transformative power of resilience and perseverance. By courageously confronting her past and reclaiming her narrative, she empowers others to find strength in the midst of their own struggles. Through her advocacy and unwavering resilience, Rachel now serves as a national speaker, being a guiding light for those navigating the treacherous terrain of abuse, offering a message of hope and healing to all who dare to listen.

Mission Statement: 

Be a beacon of hope for survivors of trauma, offering resources, advocacy, and a safe space for healing and growth.

Domestic Abuse Hotline (800) 799 – 7233

Testimonials

"Women like Rachel are inspiring on a whole different level. She has been through so much in her life and time and time again has taken her power back against all odds..."

Jimena

"Rachel Goodman is an amazing, courageous woman who has navigated so much adversity and trauma in her life. She is who she is not inspite of the pain but because of the pain. It makes her such an inspiration to other survivors and powerful encourager to professionals working in the domestic and sexual violence world. We watched her rise out of despair after coming to the San Diego Family Justice Center for help many years ago – to become a voice for the voiceless and a dynamic hopegiver."

Casey Gwinn, President, Alliance for HOPE International

My Mother

Lara Anne Von Dran

July 24, 1952 to August 20,2011

In loving memory. Lara was a mother, author, singer, and actress. Lara’s zest for life was larger than life. She taught us to live for each moment. She always was seeking for a great adventure. Lara’s contiguous personality was her biggest attribute. Lara lost her life on August 20,2011 to a murder/suicide. Mom, I dedicate my life to saving one person at a time. My mother taught me to never give up! My mother always made time to dance and sing. Growing up my mom always encouraged me to make time to play and enjoy each moment. Mom,I will never forget
what you taught me.

My Son

Isaiah Washington

Born on 8/22/1998 in San Diego, Ca. Isaiah grew up loving sports. He played baseball, basketball, football, and track. Isaiah excelled in every sport that he played. His natural ability took him far. He played on his high school teams.Isaiah also played college football. Isaiah grew up in California and Arizona. Isaiah loved spending his days in the Arizona’s outdoors. During high school Isaiah enrolled at the local community college. Isaiah was the first African American young man to be nominated by his peers for homecoming king. He became the first Black Homecoming King to win at his high school. Isaiah redefined what it meant to be king. Isaiah broke barriers and paved the way for future African Americans.

He earned his AA degree in Computer Networking at sixteen. He earned a certificate in Patriot Act for Cyber Securities while in high school. After high school Isaiah enrolled at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ. Isaiah graduated with his Information Technology Degree in 2020 with an emphasis in Cyber Securities. Isaiah has worked for Mercedez, Wells Fargo, and he is currently working for Early Warning Services LLC. (Zelle.) Isaiah’s future goal is to obtain his Cyber Security Analyst Certification. Isaiah’s eager attitude to learn will take him far. His goal is to become a private consultant.

My Daugther

Aliyah Goodman

Born April 11, 2004 in San Diego, Ca. Aliyah is a “miracle.” Aliyah is lucky to be alive. Her life almost ended at the hands of her father. Her mother was strangled but she defeated the odds.Aliyah grew up in the spotlight. Her grandmother was a music therapist. Aliyah used to spend her time visiting retirement homes with her grandmother. Aliyah learned how to dance while spending time entertaining with her grandmother. Aliyah started dancing at the age of six. She also took gymnastics. Aliyah danced until she was fifteen years old. Aliyah joined Fine Arts through The Assemblies of God Church. She competed in dance and Human Video. She competed for two years. Her team went to nationals two years in a row and placed in first and second place. Her team beat over 300 teams.

Aliyah was also involved in student council at her middle school.Aliyah was asked by her school to represent their school in a pilot program for the STEM program throughout the United States. Aliyah also served in leadership at her church.This is where Aliyah developed her love for outreach and student council. Aliyah was also part of the student government at her high school. Aliyah’s focus was on Women in Business. Aliyah was part of many after school volunteering programs for the student council. After high school Aliyah attended Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton Florida. Aliyah is majoring in Business Management and Fashion Design. Aliyah will graduate college in 2024. Aliyah plans on opening a business in Fashion Design.

My Son

Josiah Goodman

Born on February 19,2011 in Prescott, AZ. Josiah had a rough start in life. At the age of 3 days old Josiah was diagnosed with a rare congenital heart defect. Josiah spent the first years of his life in a hospital. He had three open heart surgeries before the age of three. Josiah has been life flighted several times during the beginning of his life. Josiah was a CHIEF patient at Children’s Hospital Phoenix. This program helped save his life. He received superior care while healing after each surgery.

Josiah received cutting edge technology at Children’s Phoenix Hospital. These procedures gave him a lease on life. Josiah’s doctors told his mother that he would not live past ten years old. Josiah’s mother was determined to give him the best life. Josiah had interventions at the early age of three months. Josiah received physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, neurological therapies, and feeding therapy. These therapies helped shape Josiah’s future.

The first two years of Josiah’s life were uncertain due to his medical fragile condition. Josiah’s mom was determined to not to focus on his disability. She dedicated her life to providing superior care for him. Josiah’s mom learned how to care for Josiah by trial and error. She formulated a program for children with medical fragile conditions. She started a nonprofit organization in honor of Josiah’s life. This organization’s purpose was designed to help support children and families of all disabilities.

A place to celebrate all children who needed extra support. Today Josiah has defeated the odds by living past the prognosis that he was given at birth. Josiah is now thirteen years old. He is now living his best life. He is free from all of his therapies. Josiah enjoys swimming, karate, video gaming, and listening to music, especially 80’s music. Josiah loves watching old movies and he enjoys reading comics. Josiah has an old soul which allows him to connect with things of the past. Josiah continues to beat all the odds. Josiah wants to be a video designer when he grows up. We don’t know what the future holds but we do know that no matter what happens to Josiah his mom and God will be by his side.

Accomplishments

Established Voices

(2003)

National Domestic Abuse Conference Speaker

At a national domestic abuse conference, located in San Diego, Rachel Goodman spoke in before President Bush.

(2005)

Arizona’s Domestic Summit Speaker

Upon request, Rachel spoke at Governor Janet Brewer’s Domestic Summit

(2009)

Family Justice Center Texas Conference

(2010)

Prescott Arizona Conference Speaker

(2012)

Phoenix Arizona Conference Speaker

(2012)

International Alliance For Hope Speaker in San Diego

Rachel Goodman was the speaker at the 16th international Alliance For Hope.

(2016)