Biography

Advisor: Michaelene Ostrosky



Crystal received her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Illinois in 2019. Since then, she has worked in early intervention as a developmental therapist. Prior to returning to the PhD program, Crystal also worked at Champaign County Head Start as the Infant and Toddler Specialist, in which she provided training and coaching for early head start teachers. Crystal’s research interests include increasing empowerment of all caregivers of children with delays and disabilities and increasing the quality of early intervention teams. In her free time, Crystal enjoys reading, baking, and going on bike rides.

Courses

SPED 585: Individual Differences: B to 6 (SPED 585) Examines major developmental themes in young children from birth to six. Emphasizes individual differences resulting from environmental and biological factors that influence development, including those resulting from disabilities. Focuses on integration among multiple domains of development.