Crystal comes to PDA’s CoLEAD team with over 6 years in Human Services dedicating most of her time serving unhoused communities in various counties.
Her work has consisted of providing case management to assist folks from all communities living in encampments, cars, and shelters. She has experience navigating the complex housing system such as permanent supportive housing, accessing employment, education, mental health, the legal system, substance use disorder supports and other basic need resources in the community. Crystal has worked with organizations such as Pierce County’s Associated Ministries and Shared Housing Services in partnership with the Tacoma Reach Center. In King County, she has worked with Catholic Community Services Federal Way Day Center and Reach Out shelters partnering with Coordinated Entry to assist community members access housing.
Crystal has dual AA Degrees in the Arts & Sciences and Applied Human Services with a certification in Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee from Tacoma Community College. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Law and Justice at Central Washington University. In addition, Crystal has worked tirelessly on the frontlines with her community being a catalyst for much needed systemic change. She focuses on grassroots advocacy and organizing for many social issues including, but not limited to, housing, social justice, equity, systemic racism, police accountability, and reforms.
Her work is centered on housing first, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and creative approaches to fill the gaps in our communities. Crystal’s core values are centered on uplifting the voices of our community with lived experience and supporting one’s right to safe, affordable housing.