text: Meet Krystal, Our New Account Services Coordinator! | Torsh
  This week, I am excited to introduce Krystal Henderson, our new Account Services Coordinator, who joined Torsh a few short weeks ago. She already has a jam-packed schedule, so I was fortunate to sit down with her to learn her story, and to hear what brought her to Torsh. Her passion for education is inspiring, and we are lucky to have her on our team!
  Can you share with us what motivated you to join Torsh?
  I knew I wanted to work in education. I've been a librarian and tutor, and have held previous roles in academic support and youth development. When I found Torsh, I was intrigued by the way TALENT integrates emerging technology with traditional teacher professional development. I thought, "I definitely want to be a part of this!" I remember a conversation with a friend who said, "Wow. You really are passionate about education!" And I responded, "If I could do anything, I would work to make sure teachers are able to do the best that they can, so kids can learn as much as they can." Torsh's mission melded perfectly into my own.
  It seems like a great fit! Since you've started, do you feel connected to the mission in your everyday work?
  Definitely! I learned the other day that my elementary school is using Torsh. That was wild! It reassured me that I'm giving back to my community. I moved around a lot and school is where I found structure, mentorship, and friends. From very early on in my life, school is where I shared my ideas and learned about myself. It feels great to be at a place where I'm working directly with teachers and can see the difference it's making in students' lives.
  What are your plans for the future and how will Torsh help you get there?
  I want to go to graduate school for school counseling and work to ensure our teachers, administrators and students are getting the most out of our educational system. Working at Torsh has given me insight into how teachers communicate about their practice with their colleagues. It has helped me learn more about the school environment and the conversations taking place about teaching. I also want to learn more about how tech is being integrated into the teaching profession. Usually, when you think of edtech, you think about how students are using educational technology, not how teachers are using it. I'm interested in how technology can help teachers. This will be an interesting perspective to bring to my work as a school counselor.
  Have you had any great teachers in your life that motivated you to work in the education space?
  When I was in college I took a children's communication development class. My teacher was phenomenal. She was a Fulbright Scholar and taught teacher development in South America. This was the first time I had ever realized there was such a thing as "teacher development." It sparked my interest in the field of education and made me reflect on what it means to be a great teacher. I know that schools are important because they were so important to me, and meeting her solidified my commitment to improving education.
  So, you've been in New Orleans for more than two years now. What do you love about the city and what keeps you here?
  The uniqueness of this city is as palpable as seafood gumbo. It doesn't matter where you are in New Orleans, you're going to find people who really appreciate you. I also like the city's character of perseverance. People have this attitude of "because I love this place, I am going to overcome every challenge that we face." People are passionately loyal and truly love New Orleans. I should have a third-year anniversary party because it's that kind of place.
  We've learned about your passion for education and New Orleans. So what do you like to do when you're not at work?
  I read, mostly fantasy novels – traditional fantasy, surrealist and dystopian sci-fi, and fairytales. I'm also a ceramic sculptor. I like to make masks and figurines. And, I love dancing! I dance at home and walking down the street. I might break out and dance right now!
  Awesome! We love that! It was great getting to know you a little better. Thanks for sharing your passion for education with us. It's something we can all relate to here at Torsh.