Crystal Speaks

First-year Doctoral Student here at UNC Charlotte, with a robust
educational background and diverse professional experience in school counseling. Crystal
Speaks is a dedicated school counselor who brings both passion and expertise to her role. She
holds a Master’s in Educational Specialist in Counselor Education with a focus on School
Counseling from the University of South Carolina, graduating from this program in 2020.
Additionally, she obtained a Graduate Certification in Play Therapy from the same institution,
reinforcing her commitment to innovative and effective counseling methods.
Before earning her Master’s degree, Crystal completed her Bachelor of Arts in History at the
University of South Carolina in 2018. Her professional journey began in educational settings
where she made significant contributions as an Instructional Assistant for Special Education at
Dreher High School and later as a Social Engagement Lead and Resident Mentor for the
CarolinaLife Program at the University of South Carolina.
Most recently, Crystal served as a School Counselor at Dutch Fork High School, a position she
has held since 2022. Prior to this, she was a school counselor with Charlotte Mecklenburg
Schools, providing support at Tuckaseegee Elementary School and Charlotte Mecklenburg
Academy. Her experience also includes impactful internships at Lexington School District One
and Richland County School District One, where she honed her skills in a range of educational
environments.
Crystal’s dedication to her field is reflected in her active leadership roles and accolades. She
remains committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive educational environment, leveraging
her expertise to help students thrive both academically and personally. She continues to grow
as a professional while embarking on her new journey as a Doctoral student.