Chrystina Smith-Rasshan has been appointed the executive director of operations for the Institute for Child Development and Family Relations (ICDFR) at California State University, San Bernardino, the institute has announced.
Smith-Rasshan becomes the ICDFR’s first executive director and will work in collaboration with institute director Mark Agars, professor of psychology, to oversee the multitude of institute programs and activities, and to thoughtfully guide efforts to increase the capacity and impact of the ICDFR on the CSUSB campus and throughout the surrounding Inland Empire.
For more than 20 years, Smith-Rasshan has served in professional roles dedicated to advancing the cause of children and families. She brings to the ICDFR a tremendous background and rich experience working in the field of education.
Highlighted among her professional accomplishments is a long history of fostering partnerships between community agencies and institutions of higher education, a practice she will no doubt continue in her new role.
Prior to joining the ICDFR, Smith-Rasshan served six years as the early learning and development operations manager at San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. This was preceded by four years as a staff analyst at First 5 San Bernardino and various roles within higher education.
Moreover, Smith-Rasshan’s experience entails working closely with county department heads, CEOs, state officials, community members, educational leaders, nonprofits and health administrators.
Smith-Rasshan earned her Ed.D. in leadership for educational justice from the University of Redlands, her M.A. in education with an emphasis on multicultural education from National University, and her B.A. in liberal studies with a minor in race and ethnic studies from the University of Redlands.
Visit the Institute for Child Development and Family Relations website to learn more about its programs.
