Krystal Speed joined BEST Kids as a mentor in January 2008. Krystal earned her BS in Elementary Education from South Carolina State University and a Masters in Education, Curriculum and Instructional Leadership from Vanderbilt University. She currently is employed at Data Systems & Technology, Inc., as their director of human capital development,

Born in Arizona, Krystal moved to Northern Virginia while in high school. She enjoys working with young people as evidenced by her 4-1/2 years as an elementary school teacher. She has especially enjoyed the fact that her mentee's interests are different from hers so she is able to try new things while exposing him to new ideas as well. One of Krystal's goals is to demonstrate to her mentee that there are people who genuinely care about him and are willing to put in time to ensure his success in life.