Faculty & Staff

Crystal Rivera

Assistant Teacher for Junior Elementary

Crystal Rivera brings a deeply empathetic, scientific, and community-minded perspective to our neuroinclusive model at Seeds of Life. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Clinical/Counseling Psychology and Scientific Experimental Psychology. Crystal has dedicated her academic and early professional career to understanding child development, behavioral patterns, and practical methods for building emotional resilience and independence in young children.

With hands-on experience as a Behavior Technician, Crystal is highly skilled in implementing positive behavior intervention plans, gentle de-escalation techniques, and crisis prevention. Her professional toolkit is perfectly aligned with our commitment to emotional regulation and Polyvagal-informed practices, focusing on helping children navigate moments of dysregulation to safely return to their natural window of tolerance. She is fascinated by the process of child-centered data collection and tailoring environmental activities to match a child’s specific strengths, interests, and developmental goals.

Deeply invested in community leadership, Crystal has spent years volunteering and coaching an elementary school-aged youth cheerleading team, helping young children discover the joy of collaboration, confidence, and physical coordination. Certified in Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED, she balances a structured, goal-oriented work ethic with a naturally warm, observant, and caring personality that makes every child feel safe, seen, and supported.