Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Krystal L. Culler.
Hi Dr. Culler, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, my Pappy John used to tell me, “Things have a way of working out.” Admittingly, at the time I did not know how many times his advice would ring true for me over the years and how many lessons I would learn along the way. I was very fortunate to spend quality time with grandparents and to have many older adults enrich my life over my formidable years as a child and young adult.
When I ventured off to college I did not realize that I could major in “aging” (known as “gerontology”). But once I found my way to the “social sciences” I was there for nearly 14 years between my degree programs and a once-in-a-lifetime fellowship program that afforded me the opportunity to train in Dublin, Ireland. I spent quite a long time in school. Initially, I had no intention of obtaining an advanced degree. (I did not even know what graduate school was when I was in my junior year at college.) Things have a way of working out…
Over the years, I had multiple health situations which resulted in medical leaves from the university, multiple major surgeries, minor procedures, and most importantly, learning how to begin to manage my health, school, work (multiple jobs), and day-to-day life. At the time, I made difficult decisions to start to put my health first and even left my own doctoral program when I was nearly finished. Things have a way of working out, right? Yes, they do. My Pappy John was wise.
I like to think that each situation taught me a new life lesson and many things I needed to learn early on pointed me in the direction of my current career in aging services and brain health. Not only was I transitioning but the strong women in my family were also experiencing health issues. It seemed as though all the co-occurring scenarios were pointing back to the brain and I needed to know more for myself, my family, and to serve my community.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
For me, I describe my cumulative journey as the road less traveled. Over the course of my educational path and early career, some may say that I have made “less favorable” decisions but I have made the right decisions for myself. I recognize that I am value-driven and my personal values drive my decision-making across all aspects of my life from work, personal, health, and so on. I have learned that leadership is not always straightforward and there are times when strength is quiet and walks away and other times when it requires a voice. On my journey, I have been learning the latter as I have personally grown into being more comfortable with my own voice. (It is a work in progress.) No road is smooth but I have learned to make my own path and to embrace the journey. Fortunately, things have had a way of working out so far…
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am known for chatting about all things brain health and wellness (and dogs). I aim to translate the latest scientific information about neuroscience, healthy aging, and brain wellness into actionable steps that people can use in their daily lives today. I am most proud of starting the Virtual Brain Health Center, my own venture with my friend and colleague, LeAnne Stuver, M.Ed., BSN. Our center makes information about brain health and wellness accessible to more adults and we have gained global and national traction in our first year of operations. Being “virtual” we have been able to reach aging adults, carers, families, communities, groups, children, and providers where they are- in their homes or offices- with meaningful programs that support their optimal brain care. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve so many people who are actively seeking practical ways to make their brain health a priority and not an option. It has been an absolute honor to work with our growing virtual community and I am excited to see where the next year will take us!
What makes you happy?
I get my “joyfuel” from curling up with a good book (likely related to the brain!) surrounded by my weighted dog blankets (and fat cat) and enjoying my handsome husband, Jacob’s, delicious cooking. Aunt life also makes my heart smile. Each experience with my nieces and nephews brings about new learning, play, hugs, “snuggles”, and lots of giggles. I enjoy making new memories with my family, friends, and colleagues. I love learning many new things through formal (books, lectures, museums, exhibits, etc.) and informal opportunities (trying something new, traveling to a new place, chatting with others, etc.) while meeting new people along the way!
Pricing:
- Free virtual classes until March 2022!
- Free virtual memory screenings
Contact Info:
- Email: krystal@virtualbrainhealthcenter.com
- Website: https://virtualbrainhealthcenter.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virtualbrainhealthcenter/ AND https://www.instagram.com/drkrystalculler/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VirtualBrainHealthCenter
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/VirtualBrainCtr AND https://twitter.com/DrKrystalCuller
Image Credits
Posed by Paige Duffy
