News Release

ELKHART — On Sept. 5, Crystal Van Pelt joined the Purdue Extension Elkhart County team as the ANR-Plants Educator. Crystal grew up in Wauseon, Ohio with her mother and two older siblings. She earned her B.S. in Agronomy from the Ohio State University in 2013 and her M.S. in Education from Purdue in 2016.

Crystal was the ANR/CD Educator in Steuben County from 2014 to 2021. For the past two years, Crystal has been working in the local food system in southwest Michigan, helping make farm to school more attainable.

Crystal enjoys kayaking, gardening, playing with her dogs and cat, and visiting with her family in Ohio.

County Extension Director Robby Kelly states, “We’re excited that Crystal is part of our team. She brings years of experience with her and is excited to work with the members of our community.”

To contact Crystal, call the Purdue Extension Elkhart County Office at (574) 533-0554, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or via email at [email protected].