Being raised in a community where your history connects to every part of your present, it is difficult to find the courage to leave. It is similarly difficult to forge a path and stay. Questa del Rio News is committed to highlighting different members of our community, both those who have created their paths and planted their own roots in the community that raised them, and those who have pursued lives outside of the community—through our Representando series. This series is dedicated to those who are representandos communities in northern Taos County, in various facets of life.
At 23, Isabelle Rael, known as “Belle” to family and friends, has already achieved significant academic milestones and dedicated her career to helping others. The Questa native, daughter of Mike and Annette Rael, now serves as a social worker with Taos Behavioral Health, bringing a strong work ethic and leadership to her role
Isabelle graduated from Questa High School in 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Simultaneously, she earned her associate’s degree from UNM-Taos. During high school, she was class president and ultimately valedictorian. “I was always pushing myself to do better and was always driven. Reading and math were my favorite subjects,” Isabelle recounted. “I was never pressured by my parents to do something or to try something. Whatever I chose to do, they supported my decision.”
Growing up in Questa alongside her younger brother, Dedrick, Isabelle learned early lessons in hard work and what it takes to excel. “I worked at the Questa Lumber and Hardware Store while in high school, and there I learned a strong work ethic,” she said. “I also learned the importance of job stability and the expectation that when I was there, I was to work, and work hard.” She continued to work at Main Street Mercantile in Red River while pursuing her bachelor’s degree in social work through Highlands University in Las Vegas, N.M.
The pandemic led Isabelle to pursue the majority of her education online. “I spent a little time in Las Vegas, but I mostly did school online,” Isabelle explained. “It was okay, though, I was able to get my bachelor’s and master’s degree all while living in Questa and never having to leave home.” She completed her Master’s in Social Work in 2024.
Isabelle began her career as a social worker for Taos Behavioral Health in 2023, focusing on school and community-based services. During the academic year, she visits two to three different schools across Taos, working directly with children. “I was told while in my graduate program that you never choose social work, social work chooses you. I truly believe that,” Isabelle said. “I love my job because I can help children and families, which has always been something I love to do. As a social worker, you put yourself aside and see what the person needs. I’m able to connect people with resources and different opportunities and truly advocate for their needs.”
This summer, Isabelle serves as clinical lead for a summer program that’s part of her division, where she oversees the program and plans activities for students. “It’s been really great for the kids,” she said. “We have small groups of kids that we take swimming and take to the park. It’s a great program and everyone is loving it.”
Despite her daily commute to Taos, Questa remains Isabelle’s home, where she learned the skills that have made her a successful adult. Isabelle describes her childhood experiences that were shaped by time spent with her maternal grandparents, Maxine and Fred Ortega. “My brother and I and some of my cousins would spend most of the summer with my grandparents. We’ d spend most of our time outside and ride our bikes,” Isabelle fondly recalled. She cherishes the memory of her grandma Maxine’s cooking, specifically her posole, beans, and chili, which she loves, and four-wheeler rides with her grandpa Fred, who would tell “haunted house stories” while traveling back and forth on their property. “We went camping a lot. We would visit Ventero, which is just outside Amalia, where my grandma Maxine grew up and we’d spend some time cleaning cemeteries,” she added. “I also loved to play school and daycare with my cousin Kiara Arellano and my brother. They’d let me because they knew how I liked to be in charge,” Isabelle said with a laugh.
Isabelle expressed her desire to stay in Questa after high school, which she was able to accomplish. “I work in Taos but I love giving back to my community by being involved with community activities. I also recently joined the choir at church.” When it comes to education, Isabelle says “Your education is what you make of it. If you put your mind to something you can make it happen.” Reflecting on her career and upbringing, Isabelle shares, “Your job is just a job. Questa and my family have always shown me what was most important—family, and the value of the permanency of home.”
Her high school graduation cap, written with “all that I am and hope to be I owe to those who believe in me,” continues to be a cornerstone in Isabelle’s life. She credits her parents as paramount role models, along with high school teachers Diane León, Maria Cintas, Santana Santistevan, and her current mentor, coworker Julie Gray. Her father’s work ethic, she notes, largely influenced her own.
Isabelle’s daily life and work are guided by hard work, determination, family, humility, and her faith. She concludes with her mantra: “Everything is temporary. You must always be able to adapt and adjust to do what’s best for you in the moment.” Isabelle’s upbringing, unique leadership skills, and the ability to connect with people has truly set her up for success in life.
