Testimonials
Voices From the People I've Worked With
Dr. Bonnie Groen-Olson
Administrator
Cristin has always been a calm and steady presence when she came to work with my team. She truly listens to their concerns and meets both the staff and students where they are. Her modeling, check-ins, and follow-up support have been incredibly beneficial and, most importantly, authentic.
We never felt like she was simply checking a box or completing a task. She genuinely invested in our team and in our students, especially those with behavioral needs. Her support was thoughtful, consistent, and focused on helping us better understand and support each student. We were incredibly fortunate to have her as a resource and partner.
Marie Goulet
Social Worker
As both an administrator and a social worker I’ve worked with Cristin on a variety of student cases. With each situation, though circumstances may be slightly different, students were exhibiting unsafe behaviors to themselves and others as well as having a significant impact on the learning environment. As a direct result of Cristin’s experience, skill set, and collaboration with our teams, students successfully gained skills and improved behaviors which increased ability to learn and continue to progress.
Kiley Goggins
BCBA
You were my “mentor” at NLSD122 but you were sooo much more than that.
We worked on so many things together. Problem solving student needs, goals, and programs in our self contained program. Cristin also brilliantly helped to set up, monitor, and update our programs overall systems to ensure they were running functionally and able to best support student needs throughout the school year. Additionally, we also worked on training staff within our program based off needs of the program/ student needs throughout the school year.
Cristin is the best of the best when it comes to understanding how a classroom should be set up for success, problem solving student needs, and helping to overall support staff who help to enhance the lives of students everyday!
Abby
Administrator
Cristin came into my kindergarten special education classroom during my first year teaching and brought calm to the chaos! She claims not to have a magic wand, but I beg to differ! I was amazed not only by her knowledge but also by the faith she had in me as a brand-new teacher and her love for my students! Even though she was the expert, she treated me as an equal and helped me build confidence in my ability to prevent and manage challenging behaviors. She acknowledged all of the strategies I had tried within my own toolbox, taught me some new skills, and worked with me to come up with class-wide and individual student plans to address behaviors that were leading to frequent disruption and safety concerns. She not only helped to create interventions but spent time modeling and coaching myself and my teaching team on how to implement them in real time within my classroom. The time Cristin spent in my room had a profound impact not only on my students that year but on every group of students I have worked with since then. Now, as I work with teams of teachers, related service providers, paraprofessionals, and families, I find myself striving to channel the leadership skills that Cristin modeled so effortlessly! I wholeheartedly recommend Cristin to anyone looking for a compassionate, relationship-centered approach to behavior intervention!
Ashley
Paraprofessional
An amazing co-worker and the best role model for anyone who deals with crisis situations on the daily.
Jen Pender
Administrator
I was a new administrator working to support students, families and staff through a variety of behaviors. Cristin supported the team in a hands on way by observing, listening and being present. I now look for patterns.
I have had the opportunity to work with her for several years in a variety of grade levels. She cares so very much about staff, students, and families!
Jennifer
Teacher
I’m so grateful for the support and guidance Cristin provided while working with students in my self contained classroom. The behavior visuals, goal tracking, and data collection strategies provided were incredibly helpful and made a huge difference in supporting the student’s success. Her expertise, patience, and willingness to collaborate gave me practical tools I could use every day. Her continued support throughout the schoolyear was invaluable, and I truly appreciate the positive impact she had in my classroom.
DeeDee Krynski
Speech-language pathologist
You know that feeling you get when you look across at someone and you just know they "get it" and genuinely care about student and staff... and they really want to help! I don't remember the exact situation 10 years ago (and many since), but I remember this feeling and the deep respect for the student and staff.
Meghan Cole
BCBA
I had previously worked as an Early Childhood special education teacher for 10 years prior to obtaining my BCBA certification. Fun fact- I worked as a paraprofessional in college and I had the pleasure of subbing in Cristin’s classroom before working with her kids that summer. I remember thinking “what an amazing teacher” ❤️ I carried over a LOT of her classroom structure into my first class, and because of her expertise, I felt very prepared!
When I started my school-based BCBA career, Cristin was my mentor. She is absolutely amazing at what she does and taught me so many things! Cristin is kind, compassionate, and truly loves what she does. I’d highly recommend her to any district/school looking for behavioral consultation!
Michelle Sladek
Paraprofessional
Before working with you I would sometimes question myself, if I was doing things right, what I was doing wrong. You helped me grow in confidence, understand the students on a deeper level and trust myself in my role as a paraprofessional. I'm so grateful for everything you have taught me and the knowledge you shared to make me a better teacher.
Emily
Administrator
Cristin is a true leader in every sense. She approaches each situation with compassion, expertise, and a calm presence that has assisted countless teams to work together for the benefit of the student. She has a brilliant way of bringing others together and establishing clear steps to help students be successful.
Kaila
Administrator
Cristin and I worked together for many years. I have been in awe of her knowledge, insight, professionalism, and compassion throughout. When I became an admin at a building with high behavior needs, every time myself or my principal saw Cristin walk through the door we had an audible sigh of relief. I have seen her remain calm in the most heightened behavior events. When she led trainings, you automatically knew how meaningful they would be. On a personal note, she’s simply a joy to be around. Before we began working together at my school with high behavior needs, I was anxious about how to best support my students and staff. These levels of behaviors were new to me, and I didn’t always feel equipped to handle certain situations. Cristin showed me what to look for to prevent escalation, how to remain calm and keep everyone safe, and how to find ways to best support the students/staff going forward. I cannot recommend working with Cristin enough!
Linda Demro
Teacher
Cristin was my go to for ideas on student behavior and positive interventions. She was extremely supportive and always willing to collaborate. Her ideas and style were highly effective.
Sue
Speech-Language Pathologist
Cristin and I were members of the Lincoln-Way District 843 Instructional Support Team. As a SLP we frequently worked with the same students, many with autism and behavior disorders. She worked well with all staff members, as well as parents. As Cristin worked with the students, she was able to learn about them, use a variety of techniques to improve the student's educational plan, and with consultation with the parents frequently improved the student/family home life as well.