Dr. Rickel was born and raised in the California Bay Area.  She moved to Spokane in 1992 and loves being in the Northwest and still plays "Let it Snow" the first snowfall of the year.  Her 4 siblings are all still in California, but she has gotten her parents to move to Poulsbo, Washington and enjoys having them closer.

Dr. Rickel received her Bachelor's Degree from Eastern Washington University, in Health and Wellness Promotion and her Master's and PhD in Education from the University of Idaho. She enjoys the community of Gonzaga campus and hopes her students feel the same.

Most of her in-laws are here in Spokane and her husband is back at Gonzaga University as the women's golf coach.  Dr. Rickel and her husband have two young daughters and enjoy spending time and playing together as a family.  She enjoys playing outside: running, golf, and biking with her family.