Krystina Karrington Thomas
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Director
Tacoma,WA
Summary
Pursuing full-time role that presents professional challenges and leverages interpersonal skills, effective time management, and problem-solving expertise.
Professional with strong foundation in art education, ready to contribute to fostering creative and academic growth. Skilled in various art techniques and educational methodologies, with focus on team collaboration and adaptability. Reliable and results-driven, with keen ability to engage and inspire students while supporting overarching goals of educational institution.
Experienced youth program coordinator with strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results. Skilled in managing after-school activities, fostering positive and inclusive environment, and ensuring smooth operations. Reliable and adaptable to changing needs, bringing effective communication, organizational, and leadership abilities. Known for building strong relationships with students, staff, and parents, and driving program success.
Professional designer with robust experience in production design, skilled in visual storytelling and creative direction. Adept at team collaboration, flexible with shifting needs, and consistently achieving impactful results. Strong expertise in set design, spatial planning, and artistic conception, combined with reliable work ethic and keen eye for detail.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistive Technology Specialist
Western Pennsylvania School For Blind Children
02.2025 - Current
- Managed inventory of assistive devices, maintaining accurate records and ensuring timely distribution to clients in need.
- Promoted greater awareness of assistive technologies via presentations at community events or professional gatherings.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive plans addressing clients'' accessibility and technology requirements.
- Evaluated emerging technologies to continually expand knowledge of available tools for improving accessibility and inclusion.
- Increased accessibility for individuals with disabilities by implementing innovative assistive technologies in the workplace or educational settings.
- Improved client independence through thorough training on various assistive devices, software, and equipment.
- Provided ongoing support to clients as they navigated new technology, ensuring optimal usage and continued success.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Direct
Western Pennsylvania School For Blind Children
03.2022 - Current
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
Paraeducator, Severe Needs
Western Pennsylvania School For Blind Children
08.2020 - 03.2022
- Assisted teachers in creating and implementing lesson plans for students with severe disabilities, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience.
- Communicated effectively with parents regarding their child''s progress, addressing concerns and celebrating achievements together.
- Provided essential support during community-based outings and field trips, ensuring student safety and engagement in experiential learning opportunities.
- Collaborated closely with teachers to understand curricular expectations, allowing for seamless integration into the classroom setting.
- Ensured accurate data collection on student performance through consistent monitoring of progress toward established goals.
Production Designer
48 Hour Film Project
07.2019 - 10.2021
- Executed designs that adhered to overall creative vision and direction.
- Gathered information to determine best execution of creative ideas.
- Designed props and costumes visual assets.
- Remained 14% under budget through project management.
- Worked closely with lighting and sound departments to integrate their elements seamlessly into the overall design aesthetic of each project.
- Communicated effectively with cross-functional teams throughout the production process to maintain open lines of communication regarding progress updates or changes.
- Participated in pre-production meetings to provide input on design direction and offer creative solutions for potential challenges during the production process.
After-School Site Coordinator
YMCA Of Pittsburgh
08.2019 - 03.2020
- Created and organized program schedule to include academic, recreation, and enrichment activities.
- Invested in staff professional development by conducting classroom observations, assessing needs, engaging in coaching conversations and referring staff to training sessions.
- Created an inviting space for students to relax or participate in recreational activities during their free time before or after classes.
- Assisted with student to staff ratio by facilitating classes and clubs in absence of regularly assigned staff.
- Provided training, guidance and ongoing support to program staff.
- Implemented conflict resolution strategies when needed to maintain a harmonious atmosphere among participants in the after-school program.
- Incorporated social-emotional learning into daily activities to enhance students'' self-awareness, decision-making skills, and empathy.
Project Manager
Pittsburgh Wine Festival
07.2017 - 05.2019
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
- Identified plans and resources required to meet project goals and objectives.
- Monitored project performance to identify areas of improvement and make adjustments.
- Developed comprehensive project plans with clear timelines, milestones, and budget requirements, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
- Prepared detailed reports on project status for stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment with objectives.
- Fostered a culture of innovation and creativity within the project team, leading to improved problem-solving capabilities and enhanced outcomes.
Assistant Art Teacher
Community Living and Support Systems
09.2018 - 02.2019
- Supported classroom management, fostering a positive and focused environment for artistic growth.
- Assisted lead teacher with lesson planning, resulting in more effective learning experiences for students.
- Contributed to the development of an inclusive classroom culture that embraced diversity in artistic expression.
- Facilitated constructive peer critiques during studio sessions, reinforcing critical thinking skills and collaborative problem-solving techniques.
- Adapted instructional strategies based on individual student needs, accommodating various learning styles for optimal success.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance, grades, and progress reports, ensuring timely communication with parents and guardians.
- Organized and led extracurricular art clubs, promoting further engagement with the arts outside of class time.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Urban Studies With A Focus in Community Organization
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA 05.2001 -
Associate of Arts - Liberal Studies
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Edinboro, PA 05.2001 -
Skills
Disability awareness
Awards
Three Rivers Business Alliance Gender Expansive Leadership Award
Timeline
Assistive Technology Specialist
Western Pennsylvania School For Blind Children
02.2025 - Current
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Direct
Western Pennsylvania School For Blind Children
03.2022 - Current
Paraeducator, Severe Needs
Western Pennsylvania School For Blind Children
08.2020 - 03.2022
After-School Site Coordinator
YMCA Of Pittsburgh
08.2019 - 03.2020
Production Designer
48 Hour Film Project
07.2019 - 10.2021
Assistant Art Teacher
Community Living and Support Systems
09.2018 - 02.2019
Project Manager
Pittsburgh Wine Festival
07.2017 - 05.2019
Bachelor of Science - Urban Studies With A Focus in Community Organization
University of Pittsburgh
05.2001 -
Associate of Arts - Liberal Studies
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
05.2001 -
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