Crystal Hall: Early childhood champion, passion for service

Throughout her career — including 17 years as senior director at the Young Parents Network (now YPN) and her current role as director of Community Based and Prevention Services at Tanager in Cedar Rapids — Crystal Hall has always found fulfillment in serving others.

And while her current role at Tanger is more administrative and less client-focused, Ms. Hall said she feels her experience with providing direct social programming to young people and families has provided a solid foundation for service.

“I wear a lot of different hats now, everything from administrative to managing budgets,” she said, “but when it comes down to it, my job is to build relationships and network with people and make those connections, for the greater good of working with kids and families.”

Ms. Hall oversees several programs at Tanager, including Behavioral Health Intervention Services (BHIS), Pediatric Integrated Health Homes (PIH), the Autism Disorder Program and Social Skills, Freedom Schools, and Community-Based Expressive Arts.

Through her 25-year career in social service, Ms. Hall admits she’s made a lot of connections, developing a reputation as someone who seemingly “knows everyone” in her field. And even as a resident of Victor, a town of 1,000 about an hour southwest of Cedar Rapids, she’s become well acquainted with social service leaders in Cedar Rapids.

“I’ve worked in this community for so many years that it’s very common for me to know who and where and how and when,” she said. “It drives my husband crazy sometimes when we go out in public. He’ll say ‘oh, my God, of course you know someone here.’”

Ms. Hall has been an active leader in numerous organizations and committees dedicated to children’s well-being, education and community advocacy. She currently chairs the Tanager Advocacy Committee and is a member of the Coalition for Children and Family Services in Iowa Workgroup and the Child Youth Mental Health Committee. She’s also been involved in several past and present initiatives, including the Iowa Afterschool Alliance Strategic Leadership Team, the State Child Care Advisory Coalition, and the Million Girls Moonshot Best Practice Community.

Even so, Ms. Hall said she hasn’t always considered herself to be influential.

“I don’t know as if I’ve ever really thought about myself in that capacity,” she said. “I do this because it’s important, because it allows me to serve the children and families that we work with here at Tanager in a way that feels very natural and very given to me. So to be recognized as a Woman of Influence is a little bit surreal, because I don’t necessarily view myself in that capacity … it’s kind of a foreign concept to wrap my head around, to be sought after or looked to for answers or support. It just seems very second nature to me. Being a helper is kind of who I am.”

Ms. Hall has also worked part-time at the Victor Public Library for the last 18 years.

“It started as three hours every Saturday morning,” she said. “And because I’m the type of person that I am, I have since grown children and family programming at the library. We also have adult programs that happen there.”

All told, Ms. Hall said she enjoys the notion of community involvement and support.

“I’m not the type of person that’s well-equipped to go push a button for eight hours a day,” she said. “That’s not who I am. I want opportunities. And I’ve taken opportunities throughout my career to take an idea, a concept, a goal, and grow it into a program that can really benefit kids and families.”

Amy Grunewaldt, director of Early Childhood Iowa Linn County, praised Ms. Hall for her innovative leadership and her ability to forge partnerships.

“As a champion for early childhood initiatives, Crystal has worked tirelessly to expand access to high-quality early learning opportunities, mental health support services, and vital community resources,” Ms. Grunewaldt wrote in a letter of recommendation for Ms. Hall. “Her ability to navigate complex funding landscapes, advocate for equitable policies, and cultivate meaningful partnerships has strengthened the mental health system in ways that will benefit generations to come.

“Crystal’s leadership is defined by her commitment to collaboration and innovation,” Ms. Grunewaldt added. “She has played an instrumental role in aligning community efforts, engaging stakeholders, and driving strategic initiatives that enhance services for young children. Her passion, vision, and dedication make her not only a remarkable leader but also an inspiration to those who work alongside her. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Crystal embodies the qualities of a true Woman of Influence. Her integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to service set her apart as a leader who makes a lasting difference.”