About Crystal: Crystal was born and raised in Santa Maria, California. A daughter of a single mom, Crystal saw the struggle and strength of life as a single parent daily. Crystal recalls the process and accomplishment of watching her mom, grandparents, and aunt all obtain their United States citizenship while she was young, which in turn motivated her in pursuing her own goals. She is the oldest of three and first-generation college graduate. She attended UC Berkeley until a family emergency brought her back to Santa Maria. Crystal finished a year at Allan Hancock Community College before attending California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo. Crystal received her Bachelor's of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in social work. She also received a Bachelor's of Arts in Child Development and a minor in Graphic Design. Crystal's passion for academic advising first started with her younger siblings- her sister graduated from UC Irvine in 2020, and her autistic brother continues to take college courses. Her career has taken her to supporting and encouraging both students and adults in becoming self-sufficient. Crystal has a passion for advocacy and education which has taken her to Peru to assist at Casa Del Aguila orphanage in the remote village of Limbatambo. A piece of her heart remains there, and it's her goal to continue to make the yearly voyage to help the children and staff at Casa. She is excited to join the EAOP team and use her experiences, struggles, and triumphs to encourage and build rapport with the students and families she will serve. In her spare time, Crystal likes to snowboard, skateboard with her siberian husky, going to concerts, and as a self-proclaimed "foodie", she loves to travel with her husband to experience the gastronomy of the places she visits.