Where the System Ends, CAA Begins. We Built the College We Couldn't Find. CAA Story #20: Board Member Cristin R.

CAA Board member Cristin Reichmuth’s passion to be involved in the special needs community started at an early age. 

As a child, Cristin watched her mother’s spina bifida diagnosis and scoliosis affect many aspects of her life. Doctors told Cristin’s mother that she likely would never be able to have children and that she would never have a normal life. However, her mother defied those predictions and went on to become the biggest champion of both Cristin and her brother.

Cristin is an educator and self described “forever learner”. When teaching her very first class, Cristin put together a project called “The Ability Project” to help her students understand the changing needs of a classmate who was coming back from having a stroke and required round the clock care. 

Fifteen years later, she saw a story on CAA co-founder DeAnna Pursai on CNN and knew this was an organization she wanted to be a part of. After meeting with DeAnna, she was inspired to take on a larger role within the organization. 

Cristin’s experience in the educational world, along with her deep community ties, have been incredibly beneficial to CAA. She is constantly bringing in new partners, donations and more visibility for the organization. 

“I’m just trying to be a champion for those who maybe need extra help,” said Cristin. “I want to get the word out CAA and get more people invested so that we can replicate this program in schools everywhere.”

Cristin is a decorated triathlete, longtime equestrian, and former Garlic Queen. When she is not teaching and volunteering, Cristin enjoys spending time outside and riding her horse.

This past June, Cristin helped garner in-kind paint and painting services that saved CAA over $15,000. We are so deeply grateful to have Cristin as an essential College of Adaptive Arts Mountain Mover board member.