Crystal Thompson, M.A., is a Coordinator with the WV Schools of Diversion & Transition with the West Virginia Department of Education. Focusing on adult programs, she has spent the last 3 years with the department developing curriculum for justice impacted individuals that will assist them in making a smooth transition back into their respective communities. Her “Bridging the Gap” class is currently being taught in all state prisons and regional jails. She has also been successful in obtaining a grant from The Greater Kanawha County Foundation to start a pilot program at Mount Olive Correctional Complex teaching inmates how to become peer tutors to those struggling with dyslexia using the Barton Method. Mrs. Thompson also participates in the 20 reentry councils across the state and is the Co-chair for the Southern WV Council.
Prior to this role, she spent 9 years with the WV Division of Rehabilitation Services as Rehabilitation Counselor, as ultimately as the Branch Office Manager. Working with individuals with various disabilities, she assisted them in their journey towards furthering their education and finding employment opportunities. During this time, she also developed a rehabilitation counselor’s handbook breaking down the how to’s of the rehabilitation process that was used during the training of new counselors across the state.
Mrs. Thompson earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2006 from Mountain State University and went on to earn her master’s degree from Marshall University, also in psychology, in 2009. She also holds a WV State license in practical nursing.
Mrs. Thompson currently resides in Charleston, WV with her husband, David, daughters Ada and Claire, son Xavier and two dogs, Tulip and Zumba. Her eldest son, Brandon, lives independently in Princeton, WV.