Posted on April 9, 2026
Crystal Rich brings her drive and heart to help people grow and live more independently. 
Crystal Rich assumed responsibility early in life for the daily care of her great-grandmother, who suffered from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Recognizing the value of her experience, she began considering how others might benefit from her insights.
After finding traditional school “boring,” she completed the GED High School Equivalency test and graduated at 17 from Carroll County Public Schools. From there she resumed her part-time job at a fast-food restaurant while she figured what to do with her “crazy drive,” as she puts it.
Crystal launched her professional journey in hospice care before transitioning, at age 19, to an Assisted Living Home. There, she earned her Medical Technician Certification and spent nearly two decades working in home care.
Alongside her healthcare career, Crystal obtained a Pennsylvania license to practice as a hair stylist and cosmetologist, though she viewed salon work primarily as a personal hobby while continuing to seek more stable opportunities for her family.
In November 2025, Crystal joined Penn-Mar as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at its Westminster Supported Living unit where she is part of a team that supports six people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), ages 25 to 70, facilitating their transition to independent living.
When she arrived for her job interview, the position she initially applied for was filled. Fortunately, her current position had just become available. “I feel like this was all meant to be,” she said. “I had no idea when I accepted the job all that it would entail but once I got here, I hit the ground running. Every day I learn as much from the people I support as they learn from me!”
Most of the people Crystal supports came from homes where they lived with family members and parents who, as they aged, began exploring other options for transitioning their loved ones with IDD into independent living.
Penn-Mar’s Supported Living Program provides tailored learning experiences and guidance to help people with disabilities pursue their safe, happy, and healthy independent living objectives.
“This is a very unique program that was developed for developed for people with IDD who are ready for more independence but still need support in their day-to-day lives,” Crystal said.
She noted that things are so different — and better — today for people with IDD. Crystal sees that progress every day. More people are getting out into their communities, volunteering, and working through Penn-Mar’s employment programs.
Crystal describes her daily responsibilities in Supported Living as “constructive chaos.” She meets with the members of her group at their homes and basically goes with the flow depending on their needs for the day which may involve medical appointments, unforeseen illnesses, or volunteering and employment commitments.
A significant component of her role involves teaching essential life skills such as cooking, laundry, and housekeeping. Once foundational skills are achieved, they move on to financial topics like responsible spending and bill management. “We want them to be free-spirited and open-minded about learning and making solid decisions,” said Crystal.
Crystal’s “crazy drive” ended up leading her to her true career destination.
In April, Crystal will travel to Clearwater, Florida to accept her associate degree from Ultimate Medical Academy. She is also preparing to participate in Penn-Mar’s Career Ladders Program to earn her NADSP E-Badge Academy certification.
“People with IDD are amazing and so much more than their disabilities,” said Crystal. “I’m excited to watch the people I support grow in their independence and experience more of what life has to offer. I love being part of that every day.”