Crystal Contreras

After graduating from California Baptist University (CBU), Crystal Contreras began her journey at REACH in the classroom, teaching TK, 3rd, and 4th grade before stepping into her current role as a Teacher on Special Assignment (Instructional Coach). Now in her fourth year as a TOSA, Crystal supports new and veteran teachers alike—coaching instruction, co-planning lessons, and helping bring REACH’s mission to life. Born and raised in Riverside, California, she is a proud member of Rêve—Go Big Blue! and loves the palpable sense of community on campus: a place where staff are deeply invested in scholars and where “big moments” are created on purpose.

Crystal’s favorite part of her work is the behind-the-scenes impact—partnering with teachers, families, and community groups to close achievement gaps and spark joyful learning. She’s especially proud of REACH’s Day of STEAM enrichment days and intersession camps, which expose students to new possibilities and grow larger and more imaginative each year. Looking ahead, Crystal hopes to keep growing as a coach so that every new teacher feels successful, supported, and seen from day one.

When it’s time to recharge, Crystal reaches for a good book or quality time with loved ones. Her comfort reads include Goodnight Moon (Margaret Wise Brown), The Keeping Quilt (Patricia Polacco), Because of Winn-Dixie (Kate DiCamillo), and the Anne of Green Gables series (L. M. Montgomery). She loves reading, board games, baking, camping, and travel—and will never say no to tacos, tom kha gai, gyoza, or fresh bread. On the personal horizon, her family is working toward buying their first home—ideally with a big kitchen for baking and mature trees out back for a hammock and long, peaceful reading sessions.