Rachel Heaton, Patch Staff

<b>Email:</b> rachel.heaton&#64;patch.com<br><b>Phone:</b>  314-750-4359<br><b>Hometown:</b> Columbia, Mo. (by way of Oklahoma)<br><b>Birthday:</b> November 11

<b>Bio: </b>Rachel is a journalist with a passion for interviewing and a commitment to good story-telling. Although she was unsure about her choice when she enrolled at the University of Missouri as a journalism major, she hasn&#39;t looked back since her first taste of breaking news. Before she graduated in May 2010 from the School of Journalism with a degree in print and digital news, she worked as a reporter and assistant city editor for the Columbia Missourian, did a stint with MSN UK in London and participated in a summer journalism program in Egypt and Qatar. Immediately before joining the Patch team, she was a copy editing intern at the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

When she&#39;s not reporting or editing for Chesterfield Patch, she can be found making a mess in her kitchen (what some might call cooking), browsing for a new book at a bookstore or library, or chatting on the phone with her (admittedly large) family.  She&#39;s got a fierce case of wanderlust and is always plotting her next adventure abroad. She&#39;s also considering taking up Arabic lessons in her quest to be able to communicate in seven different languages. 

<br><b>Your Beliefs</b><br>At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.<br><br><b>Politics </b><br>How would you describe your political beliefs? Are you registered with a certain party?

I would describe myself as moderate with socially liberal leanings. I don&#39;t actively support any political causes or sign petitions, but am willing to share my thoughts when asked in private. I am not registered with a party.

<b>Religion</b><br>How religious would you consider yourself? (casual, observant, devout, non religious)

My religious/spiritual life is in flux. I was raised as a nondenominational Christian, but haven&#39;t regularly attended a church for awhile and am currently investigating how it fits into my life. No matter what I decide, I will always strongly support everyone&#39;s right to believe whatever they wish and worship however they want.

<b><br>Local Hot-Button Issues</b><br>What do you think are the most important issues facing the community? Where do you stand on each of these issues?

I&#39;m still new to Chesterfield and learning about the community, so I&#39;ll answer this question later when I feel like I better know the answer.