Meet Crystal

Crystal is the founder of NSSC. She brings knowledge and experience from several key roles in social services. She is a leading expert in CDCS and has helped pass legislation to make it easier for families to access services across all Minnesota counties.

The Planner Behind the Role

Hi, I’m Crystal!

I’m so glad you’ve found your way to North Star Support Co.

I started North Star because I truly believe that individuals and families should always be at the center of the work we do. In a system that can often feel overwhelming, and where turnover is common, you deserve a consistent, reliable place to land. My goal is to provide thoughtful, knowledgeable support that helps you navigate the entire system with confidence, not just your support plan.

I’ve been working in disability services since 2006, beginning as overnight staff supporting adolescents with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. That experience sparked a deep passion for this field; one that has guided my career ever since. Over the years, I’ve held a variety of roles, including direct care, management, case management, conducting MnCHOICES Assessments, and support planning.

The most meaningful role I hold, however, is being a mom to my incredible son, who has Cerebral Palsy, ADHD, and is part of the Deaf community. My personal and professional experiences together shape the way I approach this work, and they are something I am deeply proud of.

Advocacy and community involvement are also central to who I am. I currently serve as a Family Advisor on the Guidelines Governance Council and as a member of the Family Advisory Council at Children’s Hospital and Clinics, where I’ve been involved since 2021. I’ve also partnered with Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare through their Family Engagement in Research program, most recently contributing to a neuromodulation project for adults with Cerebral Palsy alongside researchers, clinicians, and individuals with lived experience.

I hold an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, and a Master’s Degree in Behavioral Health from Concordia University. I’m also a proud graduate of Partners in Policymaking (Go Class 41!) through the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Outside of work (in my very limited free time!), I enjoy reading, podcasts, and connecting with friends through my book club, All Booked Up!, and podcast group, PodSquad. I also love spending time with my family and pets, enjoying my daily coffee (or two…or three), and unwinding with true crime, Grey’s Anatomy, and anything Bravo. I also love attending Rock Fest annually with my husband, going to musicals and plays, and absolutely anything to do with Taylor Swift!

I’m excited you’re here! Whether you’ve already joined North Star or are considering it. It would be an honor to support you.

Kind Words from Families and Partners

Families consistently describe Crystal as knowledgeable, responsive, compassionate, and an invaluable part of their support team.

“Crystal has been my support planner for my daughter for years and I consider her the most valuable resource I have in the chaotic world of needing support services. She has been the one constant in this industry that always seems to be changing. She is always quick to respond and helps however she possibly can. She is my first point of contact if I don’t know who to talk to and she will always point me to where I need to go. I honestly couldn’t imagine working with anyone else.”
Jason F.
“I have had the pleasure of working off & on with Crystal for years! One of the best, empathetic, knowledgeable, supportive support planner I have ever worked with. She is responsive and cares a lot for the people she serves. Great addition to have on your team!!”
Pamela
“Crystal made it her mission to know our daughter and our family, and she has made the process of support plan management so much easier for us. She is incredibly responsive anytime we have a question or concern. She is professional, polite and concise when communicating with the team. Her record keeping is excellent, and she promptly provides supporting documentation to so many conversations, which results in keeping services running smoothly for my daughter and our family. We are very thankful that Crystal is on our team, and we highly recommend her and North Star Support Co to other families.”
Carol
“I have two adult kiddos on the DD waiver CDCS and I couldn’t do this without Crystal. I hired Crystal 7 years ago and it was the best decision I have made. Crystal has a very broad knowledge of every aspect in creating a plan. She is very quick to respond and checks in regularly.”
Mary S.
“Crystal has helped us for years. She is so patient and kind we are so thankful to have her help us.”
Anonymous
“Crystal has been amazing to work with! She listens and helps with any question you have and if she doesn't have the answer she will find one and gets back to you in a reasonable amount of time! It has been an absolute pleasure working with her!”
Aisha
“Crystal at North Star Support for me is comforting, reassuring, understanding, reliable etc. I have worked with Crystal for years and I know when I reach out I am going to get a quick response with problem solutions. Crystal understands her clients and advocates for the family on paid time and her own time, that kind of care and commitment is not found easily. I personally appreciate Crystal's patience with me. I tend to get overwhelmed or confused by some support planning lingo, but she takes time via email and phone calls to make sure all the T’s are crossed and I'm fully informed. If you want accuracy and peace of mind, Crystal at North Star Support Co is the way to go.”
Gloriane M.

Interested in working with Crystal?

Connect with North Star Support Co. to ask questions, learn more about planning support, or get matched with the right planner for your county.

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