If you’ve ever crossed paths with Krystal Rodriguez, you know she brings a spark with her everywhere she goes. As one of our Community Advocates based in the Colby office, Krystal has spent nearly a year pouring her passion, empathy, and fierce dedication into supporting survivors across northwest Kansas. Her fiery personality isn’t just for show – it fuels her drive to advocate, to stand beside survivors in their hardest moments, and to ensure they feel heard, believed, and cared for.
Krystal’s work in Colby is vital. Community Advocates often meet survivors where resources are limited, distances are long, and support systems can feel far away. Krystal shows up with determination, heart, and a deep commitment to helping people rebuild their sense of safety and strength. Her compassion cuts through crisis, and her presence brings warmth to moments that can otherwise feel overwhelming.
As we continue celebrating the incredible humans behind the work we do, we’re thrilled to highlight Krystal and the powerful impact she’s already made in her first year.
Now, let’s get into her interview!
What is your name, title, and how long have you worked at Options?
Krystal Rodriguez. Community Adv. 1 year in Dec
What’s one thing people misunderstand most about your job?
It is not a scary thing to help others. Help looks different in many ways!
If someone shadowed you for a day, what would surprise them the most?
The weight that survivors carry daily due to their traumas from DV or SA
What’s the hardest part of saying goodbye to a survivor who’s moving on?
That you won’t get to personally witness the rest of their growth and gains after they no longer are in need of our services
What’s a small “win” that makes you feel like the work you do really matters?
Seeing a survivor, beginning to see their self-worth.
What’s a ritual or habit you use to transition out of “work mode” after a tough day?
I enjoy a silent trip home. No music, or phone calls. I reflect on my day in my mind the whole way home, so when I get out of my car it all gets left n there until I leave for work the next morning.
Who or what do you lean on when the work feels overwhelming?
My Pitbull Lady and spending time with my kids
What’s something you’ve learned about yourself because of this job?
It is ok to not have an answer at that given moment! Have fun with some research.
Do you have a “comfort item” at work (a photo, snack, playlist, etc.) that helps you get through the day?
My plants(many), and my betta fish. I talk to them all!
How do you celebrate even the smallest successes?
Little victory dances or random outburst of excitement in my office!
What’s the most unexpected lesson a client or coworker has taught you?
You can’t truly help anyone who doesn’t want to be helped.
When did you know that advocacy work was the right fit for you?
When meeting one of my first clients. I shed tears with her as she told me her story. I wasn’t crying only for her horrific abuse, but because even through all the pain she had endured, I could still see the light and desire she had to want to grow and get away. She had not given up in her faith of a life free of the pain away from her abuser. I saw the potential growth she still had in her eyes to become her best version for herself, for her and her children. That’s when I knew I was in the right line of work! Where even broken crayons color the best pictures and I was honored to get to help be a part of letting her see her true reflection!
If your younger self could see you now, what would they be most proud of?
That I am a Hype Woman for survivors who want to Unapologetically take back their Personal Power and LIVE the best versions of their life!
What’s one thing you wish every survivor could hear and truly believe?
You matter, how you feel counts and NO you are not alone!
What motivates you to show up on the really hard days?
That today maybe the day that me simply just being present could change the existence of another person in need of help!
What’s your go-to “pick me up” song or snack at work?
Dr Pepper & peach rings
If you could describe your advocacy style in three words, what would they be?
Connected, Judge-free, compassionate
What’s one thing about you that your coworkers might not even know?
I enjoy playing in my garden and yard projects!
If you need any additional information, have a question, or a concern, feel free to reach out to Options at our 24-hour toll-free helpline 800-794-4624. You can also reach an advocate via text by texting HOPE to 847411 or click 24-Hour Chat with Options.
This grant project is supported by the State General Fund for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, sub-grant number 25-SGF-07, as administered by the Kansas Governor’s Grants Program. The opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Office of Kansas Governor.