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937-390-3800Celebrating the Life of
Rachel Jayne Shay, LPCC-S
A Life of Purpose, Passion, and Profound Connection
Rachel Jayne Shay lived a life overflowing with purpose, joy, and wholehearted connection. She was a devoted mother to Riley Jayne Shay, a loving wife to Dan Shay, a treasured daughter, sister, granddaughter, aunt, niece, cousin, in-law, and a fiercely loyal friend to many. Her reach was wide and her impact deep.
Born on March 4, 1974, in Springfield and a longtime member of St. Teresa Catholic Church, Rachel radiated warmth, wisdom, and grit. She brought these qualities into everything she did—from co-owning Positive Perspectives Counseling Center to becoming a trusted and beloved therapist to countless individuals and families over her 25-year career. Her passion for helping others was more than a job—it was her calling. She was especially skilled in treating anxiety and trauma, becoming an expert in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and supporting children, teens, and adults through some of their hardest moments.
Rachel didn’t just counsel—she connected. Her clients felt seen, heard, and genuinely cared for. Her style blended insight and humor, gentleness and boldness, following and leading—all with a down-to-earth approach that made people feel safe and empowered. Even while undergoing chemotherapy, she pursued advanced training in telehealth and continued to serve her clients through the pandemic, never losing sight of her mission to help people heal.
Rachel brought her whole self to everything she did—her sharp mind, her joyful energy, and her unshakable spirit. She was a runner, a gym-goer, a football fan (Go Buckeyes and Go Irish), and a proud sports mom who lit up watching her daughter play. Fall was her favorite season, and she embraced it with the same gusto she brought to life itself.
Her laugh was unmistakable. Her friendship was irreplaceable. And her legacy—both personal and professional—will live on in every life she touched.
Rachel faced breast cancer with strength, honesty, and unmatched courage. While her life on earth ended on May 27, 2022, surrounded by love in her own home, her presence lives on—woven into the lives of those who knew her and the community she helped build.
She wasn’t just admired—she was adored. And she’ll never be forgotten.
Comments
Thank you for visiting Rachel's Page! She was loved and she will be remembered.
Rachel helped me through some of my hardest, and darkest patches of being a young teenager. Everyday I think of how much she enabled a strong, young woman in me. I wouldn’t have learned such valuable lessons & morals if I’d not been given the opportunity to learn from her. I miss her often. I will always honor her for her dedication to helping others, and I will always show others the same kindness she showed me.
Rachel helped me through a very stressful time in my life. I miss talking to her. She was such a wonderful soul.
A great person who helped us, supported me and my kids out of dark times and could still make me laugh until I couldn’t see through my tears. It’s a terrible loss for the world.
Rachel was such a bright light and a beautiful person. She helped me so much in times that were hard and felt like they wouldn’t end. She would always remind me of the big picture and that those were just stepping stones at the time onto something greater. My life is so much better because of the compassion, care, and wisdom she had for me and what I was going through. I can’t thank her enough for this. It’s hard to accept that such an amazing person isn’t here anymore. I feel so lucky to have known her. She had a great impact on everyone around her. We love and miss you, Rachel.
I miss you and wish you were here more than ever.
I can’t put into words how much Rachel helped me during very difficult times, especially the loss of a child. She was an amazing woman and I still find it hard to believe she is gone.
Rachel was such a wonderful person, and she helped me so much. She was a truly gifted counselor, like someone else wrote here, I always left her office feeling better than when I came. She had such wisdom, I often find myself thinking “what would Rachel say about this?” I will probably see another therapist at some point, but honestly, I don’t think anyone else can compare to her. Rachel, you were the best, and gone far too soon, my heart breaks for your daughter, your husband and all who loved you.
Rachel was my therapist for about five years and she meant a lot to me. I first started going to her in a very difficult time and I know that if I hadn’t, my life would be very different than how it turned out. Rachel was always there for me and she felt more like a friend than a therapist. I always looked forward to our sessions and loved talking with her about anything and everything. Rachel was the first person I went to about any hardships, and I trusted and loved her very much. Her presence in my life was very much needed and wanted and it made my life better. Rest in peace, Rachel. Thank you for everything.
I’ve tried to write something several times over, and I am simply without words. Rachel was an amazing person, who I know to have worked near miracles when many thought it impossible. She will be missed by all who knew her. My heartfelt condolences to her family.
I was informed recently of this site so we could write a note about what was gained from Rachel’s expertise. I know that I gained a healthier version of me by allowing myself to think it was ok to go to counseling and learning that being open to utilizing the tools she provided was going to benefit me not only for the issue I came for, but for MYSELF TOO! Learning to be a better listener, and less of a fix-everything type person. I actually started reading books and journaling thoughts. It was and still is a whole new concept for me.
I was referred to Rachel about 10 years ago. She provided me insight on why I felt like I was walking on eggshells with a few people in my life that I love dearly, my fear of losing people and also being rejected, and just trying to find that joy within myself instead of always making everyone else happy. It was ok to have self-care in my life.
Rachel’s calm approach and her ability to listen were always appreciated. When I had ideas on how to repair our estranged relationship I was going to her for, she would either really love the idea, and yet, sometimes not… which was appreciated too! Learning to react, how to react, and more importantly, sometimes not reacting!
I take pride on our last visit via video, that she said she was so proud of me, the work I did, and actually my last idea I had run past her, I read it to her that day … and she said it was EXCELLENT! Hearing that from her in a time of her life when she was fighting for her own life just WOWED me!
I could write so much, I loved her professionally and as a friend! I keep her Mass of Christian Burial program attached to my bulletin board at work as a reminder of her peaceful nature. More people need to be like Rachel. I will continue my self-care with someone else, it won’t be the same, but I know that this would be something she knew I would do, by continuing the work, and MANNNNN it is hard work …I can live joyfully and peacefully, even when estranged with loved ones, working on not feeling guilty doing so. She would want that for me too!
I will pray for her family and friends, as her loss is so big for all of us, BUT BOY did God grant us so much by blessing us with her. She ran a hellava race to that finish line that is FOR SURE!
It is with a heavy heart and tears streaming down my face, as I try to choose to put my thoughts into words with poise, admiration and grace. I will attempt to take this sacred moment to honor Rachel for all the incredible and positive attributes that she’s done for a me, and I’m sure for countless others who miss her so much.
Rachel, how I wish I could’ve hugged you one last time. Just as I would often do at the close of one of our sessions. You were incredibly instrumental in my care for 6+ years. You were beautiful both inside and out. Your smile lit up an entire room and your soul will forever shine down from above. I know you will continue to watch over so many people that loved you in return. Especially those of us that chose to gravitate and confide in you regarding our own struggles and personal traumas. When life felt unbearable, you continued to give us a purpose to live and push forward through the mental pain and afflictions that we were suffering. You gave us hope, wisdom and understanding. All the while, you were facing the most difficult time in your own life.
I will forever be grateful for the bond and relationship we formed. You were a gracious giver, confidant and above all, you were loving, kind and incredibly selfless. You continued to focus on the livelihood and Mental Health of others, while you were thrust upon a “journey” that you did not sign up for. It seemed to be the biggest “marathon” that you would face. Trust and believe, all of us were waiting for you to cross that finish line. Just as you had done so many times before. Sadly, I suppose “this marathon” would prove to be quite different than any other you had ran before.
Rachel, please know that you were both a blessing and a gift to all of us that were given the opportunity to love and know you.
You will be forever missed and there will forever be a void in our hearts.
I will continue to pray for peace for your husband, daughter, family members and all of those that love you.
Thank you for giving us all a purpose and reminding us that there is a spark that shines bright at the end of that tunnel. Even though it may seem dark and distant. And in return, your light will forever shine bright within ALL of our hearts. You were, and will always be a Champion, devoted and loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and above all, A Manna From Heaven🕯🙏🕊
Rachel was more like a sister to me than a therapist. She was kind, thoughtful, wise, and hilarious. Her impact on my life has been so positive, and I am grateful to have known her. I miss her very much.
Among Rachel’s many wonderful attributes, was her amazing sense of humor. Whenever I would have one of my super incredible “AH HA” moments, Rachel would suddenly do a “mic drop” with her pencil, then throw her arms up as if to signal a touchdown, and proclaim, “THERE IT IS!!” In my bafflement, I would say, “There WHAT is?” And we’d both have a hearty laugh. That laugh of Rachel’s…the best medicine of all. After a dose of Rachel Shay “magic”, I always left feeling better than when I arrived.
Rachel has a special place in our hearts. We will miss her greatly. Rachel was always so cheerful and upbeat during our daughter’s sessions. Even in the middle of her battle with breast cancer, she never let you know she was sick. Rachel’s death was a shock to us all and it makes no sense as to how someone can be taken so quickly from us. Even in her death she is still giving us guidance…life is short, enjoy time with family and friends and keep things in perspective 🙂
I cannot begin to express how much Rachel helped me. I was at the lowest point in my life, dealing with grief from the death of my father to lung cancer. I was on the verge of losing everything to my personal demons. Rachel became my lifeline. She genuinely cared about me and helped me tremendously. Although our work was not finished, I am so much better off thanks to her hard work. It was a privilege to have her as my counselor and I will never forget Rachel.
It was a blessing to know her. God Bless!
I didn’t have many interactions with Rachel, but the few I had were memorable and filled with laughter. Mostly I am aware of how much others loved her and will miss her terribly and how the reason she would cite for not being able to make our group dinners was because she didn’t want to miss her daughter’s games and events. Her devotion to her daughter and family was evident to all who knew her.
Rachel was not only my counselor for almost four years but someone I considered very close to me. Words cannot describe the impact she had on my life. I enjoyed seeing her every single week and I can not thank her enough for everything she helped me through. She was one of the funniest, most loyal, caring people I will have ever gotten the chance to know. Rest in peace Rachel. We all love you so much.