Paradise Neighborhood

Vibrant. Welcoming. Celebratory. Home. The houses of the Paradise neighborhood include some of the largest on campus, but each house remains committed to creating a healthy and supportive community. Students from across campus come to eat in the friendly dining rooms and attend campus events such as Celebration! Weekly teas and study breaks bring house members together to laugh and enjoy good company. Our spacious, plush living rooms and ample study spaces comfortably accommodate houses ranging from 80 to 100 residents.

Area Director

Crys graduated from Smith in 2009 with a bachelor’s in Art History, the Five College Certificate in African Studies, and a STRIDE Scholarship. In 2016, Crys received their Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary with a concentration in Theology, Women, and Gender and the Urban Ministry Program. Crys’ professional experience includes Religious Life at Smith College and Princeton University, youth and family ministry in the Episcopal Church, and hospital interfaith chaplaincy.   

Professional Interests:

My professional passions include interfaith education and organizing for college and high school students and religious and nonreligious leadership development for gender minorities and people of color. While at Princeton, I began the ordination process for the Episcopal Church and my thesis work was in queer family structures in the Hebrew scriptures and the book of Ruth. My professional interests in student affairs include white anti-racism, gender inclusive housing, and first generation student mentorship.

Personal Interests:

I am originally from a small town outside of Louisville, KY and credit the South for my love of college sports, bourbon, and music. I love playing sports and watching University of Louisville and Boston sports, especially the Red Sox. I find balance in reading, a meditation and prayer practice, downtime, and reunions with family, Talbot House and Smith Softball friends. My spouse Benji (‘11J) and I moved to Noho from Philadelphia with our three cats Teddy, Mookie, and Yaz (named for Red Sox players).

Favorite Place on Campus

If you haven’t been to the bridge that leads to the athletic fields, it is such a beautiful view of the Pond’s waterfall.