Crystal Rasnake
What is your role at UWSWVA and how long have you been a part of the team?
My role at UWSWVA is Childhood Success Coordinator with a focus on outreach and I have been here since November 2021.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love my job! I am getting to use all my previous experience and skills in my job which is amazing! I love working with our great team! I also really enjoy getting to work on Coordinated Enrollment with all of our locations and building relationships with providers and stakeholders.
What does a typical day look like in your position?
A typical day for me involves a lot of data, spreadsheets and communication with providers and staff.
What is your personal motivation?
My family and I have lived in Southwest VA my whole life so I am invested in the community. Early Childhood Education is so important because children develop so much during the first 5 years. I want to help inform Southwest VA families of the options for Early Childhood Education.
Favorite event/program at UWSWVA?
The only event I have attended so far is Celebrity Bagging and it was amazing with Taylor Rose! We got to be out in the community helping while having a great time.
What are some of your favorite hobbies?
I love attending church with my family.
What is something that is fun and unique about you? Or tell me one thing about yourself that our team doesn’t know about you.
I love fishing. Also my family has a greenhouse and we grow vegetable plants and sell them.
Tell me about your favorite day at work, in your current position, that you’ve ever had.
The day we launched the “Birth to 5 Hub” It was exciting watching it all come together and we are continuing to promote it to ensure families are aware of all early child care and education options in their area.
Do you have a quote or mantra that you always look to that is meaningful to your work here at UWSWVA?
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” Philippians 4:13 KJV
What was your very first job and how do you use a lesson you learned in that job still today?
My very first job was at Dairy Queen. I started working there when I was 15 or 16 and I became a store manager at 18. I learned so much from this job including leadership skills and customer service skills. I am so grateful for all my past job experiences because they have made me who I am today.