Hello

Hello, I’m Chrystal. I spent over 35 years incarcerated, and during that time, I mentored countless women—including Summerlee—helping them find their voice, rebuild their confidence, and prepare for life beyond the system. That experience shaped my passion for serving this population and fighting for real change.

I’ve now been home for four years, and I see firsthand the barriers our community continues to face. My purpose is to use my lived experience, my strength, and my compassion to support others coming home and to be part of the solution EPIDEMEK brings to our community.

My Story

Hello, I’m Chrystal Pfeifer. I am a restored citizen, a U.S. Army Reserve Veteran, and an advocate whose purpose comes directly from lived experience. I spent more than 35 years incarcerated, and during that time, I became a mentor, a guide, and a source of strength for the women around me. That includes Summerlee, whom I supported and walked beside throughout her journey. Those years shaped my belief that transformation is possible for anyone when they are surrounded by support, structure, and opportunity.

Coming home four years ago gave me a firsthand understanding of how heavy the barriers still are for people returning to society—housing, employment, stigma, mental health challenges, and navigating a world that had entirely changed during the decades I was gone. Those realities didn’t discourage me; they motivated me. I knew I wanted to turn my experience into leadership and advocacy that could make the path easier for others.

Since returning home, I have served in multiple roles dedicated to reentry and empowerment. I previously worked as the Operations Manager at Kindway, overseeing program operations, volunteer coordination, and direct reentry support services. Today, I serve as the Women’s Coordinator for Kindway Volunteers, leading outreach and empowerment programming for women returning from incarceration—many of whom remind me of the women I once sat beside in prison. This work is personal, and it fuels me every day.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Social Services, which strengthened my ability to understand systems, serve vulnerable populations, and support individuals with dignity and compassion. My background in administration, coordination, and community engagement allows me to connect with people, manage programs, and help build structures that truly support success after incarceration.

I am proud to bring my experience, my leadership, and my voice to EPIDEMEK’s Board. I know the barriers our community faces because I have lived them. And I know what it takes to rebuild because I have done it myself.

My mission is simple: To stand with those returning home, offer the support I once needed, and help build pathways to healing, stability, and transformation.