Krystal Smith, A Positive Force at KACC
Launch the media gallery 1 playerRounding out of new KACC teammates in our Career Services Department is Krystal Smith, Academic Support Specialist.
Ms. Smith says she “has always enjoyed working with young people. I am grateful to be at the Career Center.” Observing Ms. Smith in the halls and classrooms, everyone can see how genuinely she enjoys supporting students; helping them succeed at reaching their highest potential. It is this personal trait that is one of the main reasons she knew working in the Career Services Department, and getting involved with career coaching would be a great fit.
“It’s so important to have support, especially in high school,” stated Ms. Smith. She describes herself and enjoying being a cheerleader in all aspects of her life. (She was Cheerleading Coordinator for Central Stars Football Club for 6 years). She loves the look in someone’s face when they do something they are proud of. These are not just words, Ms. Smith even traveled to Haiti for a medical mission trip with a few of her local nursing friends. She served as the intake coordinator for the medical clinic. She says it was one of the “best experiences in my life. I am so grateful.” She has also been a volunteer with GiGi’s Playhouse, Inc. Down Syndrome Achievement Center in Bradley and 4-H Club.
In addition to Academic Support Services, Ms. Smith’s flexibility within KACC is evident by her willingness to occasionally serving as a substitute teacher or aid of our teachers in different capacities. She says she “loves to see the other instructor’s passion for the careers they represent.” Ms. Smith acknowledges the incredible talent of KACC instructors and students.
Ms. Smith earned her Associates Degree at Kankakee Community College in Criminal Justice. She totally fulfilled their “start here, finish anywhere” theme, as she is actively working on completing her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University. She says she loves learning. While she took many years off from traditional school, and has always kept busy doing something from which she can gain educational value
On a personal note, Ms. Smith is married with two teenage children. (You wouldn’t know it because Ms. Smith looks like she could be one of the teenagers here at KACC.) The Smith household also has an almost seven-year-old cockatoo named Penny Lane. She says she loves animals of all kinds and is an avid reader. She says she is often reading one book while listening to another. Her favorite genre is historical fiction.
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She and her husband, Jason, have owned Tatro Painting and Decorating for the past 6 years. Before Ms. Smith and her husband purchased the business, she worked for Riverside Medical Center for many years, followed by Country Financial. Working part-time at KACC allows her to turn her attention to the continued success of Tatro Painting and Decorating on her days off.
Ms. Smith states, “Every day is a new adventure and I am excited for what the future holds for me at KACC!”
Krystal Smith is an excellent addition to TeamKACC. We also look forward to seeing what the future holds for her here at KACC.