Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Crystal Leal

Weslaco,TX

Summary

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate of Texas (LPC-A), supervised by G. Scott Sparrow, EdD, LPC-S, with extensive experience providing academic, emotional, and social support within school settings. Skilled in delivering student-centered counseling, implementing evidence-based interventions, and collaborating with educators, families, and stakeholders to drive meaningful, measurable outcomes. Recognized with the 2025 CREST Award (Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas) for outstanding contributions to school counseling programs, and certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid.

A dynamic and compassionate professional known for strong communication, adaptability, and a proactive, solutions-focused mindset. Adept at supporting not only students and families, but also colleagues and organizational teams—fostering a positive, inclusive environment that strengthens morale and promotes success. Embraces new challenges and continuous learning, consistently seeking opportunities to improve systems, enhance support services, and leave organizations stronger than found.

Demonstrated leadership marked by enthusiasm, initiative, and a deep commitment to serving diverse and underserved populations. Highly skilled in supporting youth, adolescents, and young adults through the development of effective coping strategies, with extensive experience working with women and children in emotionally complex situations. Brings strong expertise in crisis prevention and intervention, including working with high-trauma cases, generational challenges, and low-income communities.

Approaches each situation with cultural sensitivity, empathy, and a trauma-informed lens to promote resilience and long-term well-being.

Currently completing final clinical hours toward full LPC licensure (90% complete; expected September 2026), with a continued focus on expanding clinical expertise and delivering impactful, high-quality mental health support.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Elementary School Counselor

PSJA ISD
Alamo, TX
11.2024 - Current
  • Assessed and graded student work, maintaining alignment with curriculum standards and academic rigor
  • Designed and delivered engaging, hands-on lessons to promote student participation and learning
  • Differentiated instruction to support diverse learners, including neurodiverse students and those with special needs
  • Developed individualized lesson plans and interventions to help struggling students improve performance
  • Implemented effective classroom management and behavior intervention strategies to support student success
  • Supported students’ academic, social, and emotional development through structured activities and guidance
  • Conducted individual and group counseling sessions to address emotional and behavioral needs
  • Assessed student strengths and challenges to develop targeted support plans and interventions
  • Led crisis intervention efforts, providing immediate and compassionate support when needed
  • Collaborated with teachers, administrators, and families to create supportive learning environments
  • Communicated regularly with parents and staff regarding student progress and strategies for improvement
  • Facilitated workshops on conflict resolution, stress management, and academic success skills
  • Fostered a safe, inclusive classroom environment where students felt supported and empowered
  • Provided dedicated support to students from low-income and underserved backgrounds, serving as a mentor and advocate

Teacher

Weslaco ISD
Weslaco
06.2012 - 11.2024
  • Assessed and graded student work, ensuring alignment with curriculum standards
  • Created a supportive classroom environment promoting students’ academic, social, and emotional growth
  • Collaborated with fellow teachers, administrators, and parents to support student achievement
  • Designed and delivered engaging, hands-on lessons to enhance student learning and participation
  • Communicated regularly with parents and staff regarding student progress and instructional strategies
  • Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles and neurodiverse students
  • Provided individualized support and interventions for students with special needs
  • Developed targeted lesson plans to help struggling students improve academic performance
  • Fostered a positive classroom culture through consistent encouragement and emotional support
  • Implemented effective classroom and behavior management strategies
  • Developed and applied individualized behavior intervention plans
  • Incorporated evidence-based practices to support sensory and motor skill development

Education

Master of Education - Counseling

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX
05-2024

Bachelor of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies

University of Texas Pan American
Edinburg, TX
05-2012

Associate of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies

South Texas College
Mcallen, TX
05-2009

High School Diploma -

Weslaco East High School
Weslaco, TX
05-2005

Skills

  • Self-esteem building
  • Parent-teacher collaboration
  • Child psychology
  • Individual counseling
  • Empathy development
  • Special education support
  • Academic advising
  • Grief counseling
  • Play therapy techniques
  • Needs assessment

Accomplishments

  • Student Motivation - Developed a Literacy/SEL Family event in Spring 2022 for parental outreach to motivate and provide support for families to build their at home library and increase literacy among middle school students and their siblings. The event also allowed parents to receive information on mental health services and support in our local area.
  • Spring 2024 Student Counselor Internship- Achieved Group Counseling Sessions for at-risk students by completing Emotional Regulation and SEl Guidance Lessons in small group Weslaco ISD- CAEP Program at Mary Hoge Middle School with accuracy and efficiency.
  • Achieved conflict resolution with youth through effectively helping with emotional regulation and mindfulness activities to build resilience.
  • Collaborated with campus School Counselor and LPC in the development of campus CAEP setting for the emotional well-being of at risk students at Weslaco ISD.
  • Spring 2025-2026 - Collaborated with Angels of Love of McAllen, TX., in the development of Wolverine Ambassadors. Initiated and led a boys’ leadership group (ages 9–11) focused on building social skills, etiquette, and character development, fostering student leadership, school pride, and positive peer influence through structured, counseling-based activities.

Certification

  • Classroom Generalist Teacher - EC-6 , English as Second Language Supplemental EC-12, Special Education EC-12
  • Certified School Counselor, - July 2024
  • LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor- Associate

Languages

Spanish
Full Professional

Timeline

Elementary School Counselor

PSJA ISD
11.2024 - Current

Teacher

Weslaco ISD
06.2012 - 11.2024

Bachelor of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies

University of Texas Pan American

Associate of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies

South Texas College

High School Diploma -

Weslaco East High School

Master of Education - Counseling

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley