Dana Center Role
Cristy serves as a senior bilingual academic program coordinator for Literacy First, a program of the Center dedicated to ensuring that all students learn to read by the end of second grade, allowing them to realize their full potential. Her duties include training, supporting, and directly supervising AmeriCorps members who provide early literacy interventions to readers across Central Texas.
Before Joining the Dana Center
Cristy brings 30 years of experience in education, primarily as a Pre-K–5th grade teacher, with 15 years spent mostly in east Austin Independent School District (AISD) schools. During her time with AISD, she held various leadership roles at the campus and district levels, including team leader, lead mentor, and partner in district curriculum collaboration.
Cristy’s years of teaching led to a role as a bilingual elementary education specialist with Education Service Center Region 13’s Educator Certification Program, where she worked for 12 years. In this position, she trained and supported novice teachers in the 17-month program, guiding them to secure state certification. She collaborated with district human resources personnel, campus administrators, and regional staff to support district initiatives.
Additionally, Cristy worked with Not Your Ordinary School (NYOS), a charter school in Austin, in the following district capacities: 504 coordinator, district testing coordinator, dyslexia specialist, and multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) committee member.
Education
- B.A., Education, The University of Texas at San Antonio
- Texas Education Agency Certifications: Elementary 1st–8th, Early Childhood, and Bilingual