Crystal is remarkable—so beautiful in many beautiful ways. She experiences life differently, and that difference is not a limitation. This is how Crystal’s dad, Hosea, describes her.
Roxana and Hosea always wanted a girl. When Crystal was born, it was a dream come true. Her mom and dad were overjoyed and filled with hope for the future.
Roxana echoes Hosea’s words: “Her way of looking at life has given me a new perspective on how I should look at life. She’s taught me to slow down and to know that everything is going to be okay. She brings me a certain type of peace and calm.”
Just like every teenager, Crystal has big feelings and emotions, and she’s not afraid to express them. Her unique personality was evident from the day she was born, and those around her knew she would become the remarkable person she is today.
Auntie Cookie, as Crystal calls her, has been a part of her life from the moment she arrived in this world. They connected immediately. Cookie remembers the first time she met Crystal as a baby when Roxana took her to work to meet her colleagues. “Crystal didn’t focus or lock eyes with anyone, but she locked eyes with me. And we’ve been like that ever since,” Cookie recalls. Crystal often sends her Auntie Cookie text messages where their bond truly shows.
At around the age of two, Crystal’s daycare teacher, Jamie, noticed that she communicated differently. She was not interested in other kids, her communication mainly was nonverbal, and she struggled to make eye contact. This raised a red flag, and Jamie knew she needed to act quickly. As an educator, she understands that early intervention is key to success. “When testing is done, there are so many services available to help children reach a variety of milestones. If you notice something is going on, go ahead and act now,” Jamie says. Thanks to her quick reaction and proactive parents, Crystal received a diagnosis that opened new doors for her.
In 2018, Roxana found out about Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI) through Swimmerman Swim School, where she enrolled Crystal at the recommendation of her daycare provider, Jamie. Crystal received Family Support funds to help cover her swimming lessons. Additional funds also helped cover season passes for the Zoo Atlanta, Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta Botanical Garden, and Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Currently, BDI’s benefits navigation team is helping Roxana secure guardianship before Crystal turns 18 this year.
But her favorite program is Getting Ready for Opportunities in Work (GROW). It was a catalyst for Crystal. GROW helps students with disabilities build confidence and prepare for adulthood. “Programs like the Bobby Dodd Institute [GROW program] provide information to our students in a way that they can retain it. When we provide them with those opportunities, they are capable of great things,” affirmed Patrice, Crystal’s speech pathologist.
Mrs. Brooks, Crystal’s teacher, is passionate about connecting families with resources to help her students develop in areas where they need support and build a sense of community and belonging. She adds: “Don’t feel as if you’re in this alone, because there’s a world of help out here for you.”
And Roxana knows how beneficial programs like GROW are not only for kids like her daughter, but for other parents too.
“I am very grateful for the programs that are out there to help kids and also to help parents navigate, because you have other parents you can talk to. They can help, and you can help each other understand because you are kind of going through the same thing,” Roxana says.
Auntie Cookie has noticed the change in Crystal after she participated in the GROW program. “I’ve seen Crystal coming into herself, and this became more evident when she went to the prom. Before BDI, she was shyer and reserved, but now she smiles, tells jokes, and is very busy around the house with chores. She’s very active.”
Her grandmother, Carolyn, also noticed the change. “She’s more outgoing now. We are so proud of her that she went to the prom; she was so excited. She loves going out, being with people, going to dinner, and flying. That has all happened since she’s been in school and in this program,” says Carolyn, filled with pride.
At school, Crystal is a role model. She has made the Super Honor Roll during her junior year and the Principal’s Honor Roll during her sophomore year in high school. After graduation, she wants to work for Delta Airlines as a gate agent—a continuation of her passion for travel. Everyone is convinced she will achieve her dream.
