Raquel “Rocky” Vernola serves as a Trustee and Women’s Ministry Lead at Cornerstone Community Church in Ferndale, Washington, and as Director for Safety & Security at Whatcom Community College.  Rocky relocated to Washington in December 2015 with her husband, Thomas, and their youngest of four children, Nickolaus. Before moving to Washington, she served communities throughout Los Angeles county through service as local law enforcement and as a disaster management area coordinator countywide.  With extensive experience in law enforcement, safety, emergency management, nonprofit leadership, and community preparedness, Rocky has dedicated much of her career to helping cities, counties, and communities, as well as volunteering her time to help schools and faith-based organizations to recognize threats, reduce vulnerabilities, and protect their communities. Rocky also currently serves as the Chair & Treasurer to the Washington State Board of Community and Technical College’s Safety, Security, and Emergency Management Council, as well as a County Commissioner and Executive Committee Treasurer for the Whatcom County-Bellingham Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Commission.

Above all, Rocky is passionate about serving the Lord and using her experience and God-given gifts to help others feel safe, prepared, and supported, while ultimately experiencing the presence of Christ through her work.