About Mrs. Chrystall

I can't wait to get to know all of you, but before I do, I thought you might want to know a little bit about me :)

Mrs. Chrystall bike riding through Copenhagen in Denmark.  Quite possibly my favorite city! 

 

Our beautiful, winter wedding day! 

I started my teaching career in January of 2005 right after I graduated with my bachelor degree from Illinois State University. I have spent all of those years teaching in Oak Park.  From 2005-14 I was teaching 6th grade at Julian Middle School. I primarily taught math but most years I taught Reading/LA or science in addition. In the fall of 2014, I made the transition to become an elementary school teacher at Mann.  It was a very positive switch for me and I couldn't be happier with the decision I made to become a 4th grade teacher.  Growing up, fourth grade was my favorite grade and favorite teacher. The relationships I have been able to build with the Mann community in my short time here have been humbling, and I feel blessed to work in such a supportive school environment. I have a passion for teaching & love being able to share it with everyone! 

I live in Irving Park on the north side of Chicago with my husband, Doug, and our sweet puppy, Nell. When I have free time, I am outside! I love going to the beach, riding my bike, running, and gardening in our lovely backyard. Now being outside in the winter is a different story for me. In winter I hibernate and really enjoy it too.  

Running the Shamrock Shuffle 8K with a teacher friend from Julian, Mrs. Welchko! 

Our little 100 plus year old house in Chicago! 

Nell!  We rescued her from PAWS in August 2015 when she was just 3 months old. 

Traveling is also a priority in my life. Every trip, near or far, opens my eyes to cultures and perspectives all over the world. Not only is travel fun and relaxing, but it is life changing. “I am not the same having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.” ― Mary Anne Radmacher

On top of Mount Eden in New Zealand July 2013

Pula, Croatia July 2015

Prague, Czech Republic September 2013

Stockholm, Sweden July 2016 

Middle of nowhere in Norway!  July 2016

London, England July 2015

Family is everything to me! I grew up in Oak Lawn, a south suburb of Chicago.  Actually my parents still live in my childhood home, so I love going back to visit.  My husband, on the other hand, has lived in 4 different countries.  He was born in South Africa, then moved to New Zealand when he was 10 years old.  He then lived in Australia for a few years.  Finally he lives in the US where he is finally putting down roots.  He has family all over the world too!  He has one brother living in India and the other brother lives in Sweden!  His mom still lives in New Zealand and we just love going to visit her. 

My husband, dad, mom, mother-in-law, and me!  This is from a family trip to  New Buffalo, Michigan when my mother-in-law, or mum like we call her, was visiting us from New Zealand.  

My brother and I when we were little ones!  

My in-laws in Margate, England 2015.  Doug's brother Ross & his partner Mark, my mother-in-lawn, Doug's brother Greg and his wife Natasa, and us.  

My little family! Christmas 2015

Nell's adoption day!  2015

My Family at our Chicago wedding 2014. Dad, Mom, Doug, Me and my brother Marvin. 

My absolute favorite grade growing up was fourth grade with Mrs. Bell (this makes me even more excited to have the opportunity to teach fourth grade- my favorite grade).  Math has always been my favorite subject.  I have always enjoyed completing word problems that were difficult and took a long time. I love the feeling of satisfaction when I FINALLY get it and I even more love that there is one right answer.  I think perseverance is the most important trait to have in math (don't worry- we will learn a lot about perseverance this year!!). However, although I love math, reading for pleasure is one of my favorite past times.