Crystal is the Manager of Tribal and Direct Services of the Native Nations Institute, a citizen of the Walker River Paiute Tribe and a PhD student in American Indian Studies at the University of Arizona. She received a B.A. in Social Work with an emphasis in Rural and Indigenous Communities from Cal Poly Humboldt and a M.S. in American Indian Studies with an emphasis in Indigenous Rights and Social Justice from Arizona State University.

Crystal has maintained and displayed dedication and commitment to Native Nations and Native peoples respectfully. Professionally, prior to joining the NNI, she served Native Nations by assisting them in defending their sovereign rights against US militarization and big corporations, while maintaining and focusing on their individualized cultural needs. She has also devoted her educational and professional endeavors to the protection of cultural and sacred spaces through her research and activism. In the 2021-2022 academic school year Crystal was recognized as a distinguished student and awarded the College Student Leader Certificate at Arizona State University for her achievements in academics, extracurriculars and other contributions to her unit.

She is excited and looks forward to being able to provide resources to the serviced communities that partner with the Native Nations Institute.