“The words 'trustworthy' and 'integrity' come to mind when thinking about Crystal. She is the utmost professional and I consider myself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with her in professional and academic capacities. Her dedication and compassion are evident in her work and truly set her apart from others. What a gift to know her and have complete trust in her abilities and services.”

-Alexis Coulourides Kogan, PhD, MSG, FGSA University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine of USC USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology

"Crystal is a clinical social worker, military spouse, and leader who embodies self-awareness, compassion, courage, and a commitment to advocating against injustice. She also plays a key role in developing others who share these qualities. Anyone touched by military life would be fortunate to receive her care." 
 
 -Ruth Anne Kramer, LCSW / Author of You Belong: A Guidebook to the Careerminded Woman on the Move

"Crystal demonstrated an exceptional ability to connect with volunteers while maintaining a strong focus on supporting client needs. Her management approach showcased her dedication to creating a meaningful impact for clients while fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment for her team. In addition to directly supporting clients, Crystal developed and implemented effective processes and procedures to ensure the smooth operation of programs.

Managing a team of volunteers from around the world required Crystal to balance a long-term strategic vision with the ability to stay grounded in day-to-day operations. This demanding role necessitated cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and a deep commitment to teamwork. Crystal's social work training, combined with her tireless work ethic, allowed her to navigate this complexity with remarkable success.

Her leadership was both inspiring and practical, as she empowered volunteers and ensured they were well-trained and supported to meet program goals. Crystal’s ability to lead with vision while addressing immediate challenges exemplifies her strength as a leader. Strength In Service thrives under her guidance, and the organization’s continued success is a testament to her dedication, skills, and unwavering commitment to service."

-Mary-Justine Todd, Founder/CEO Shamsaha

Crystal embodies the true essence of a social worker—compassionate, dedicated, and professional. Throughout my time as her supervisee, I consistently felt supported, inspired, and empowered. As a fellow military spouse, Crystal understood how the service of our family to the Navy meant my career and progress toward licensure were a constant uphill battle. Crystal jumped into the trenches with me and give me hope that I could finally achieve my own career goals. She helped me find my own voice as an associate social worker and instilled a sense of confidence that I had not experienced in other supervisory relationships. Her guidance has been invaluable in my growth, both personally and professionally. I am deeply grateful for the care and expertise she has provided throughout our work together.

-Andrea M. ASW Supervisee and Veteran spouse

“Crystal creates an engaging and collaborative supervision experience that balances expert guidance with the freedom to explore your unique path as a social worker. Her dedication to ongoing learning and thoughtful supervision has been pivotal in my growth, helping me build confidence and refine my skills in meaningful ways.”

-Kari deLongpre, MSW, Associate Social Worker

“I had the privilege of working under Crystal Bettenhausen-Bubulka, an outstanding LCSW whose empathy, and compassion made a profound impact on my professional growth. Her ability to listen with genuine care and understanding created a supportive environment that allowed me to speak in supervisions with vulnerability, which was imperative to where I was at in my Social Work career. Crystal leads with grace, creating a healthy self reflective learning environment with a thoughtful and empowering approach. Her unwavering dedication to the social work profession makes her a role model to myself and the community she serves in.”

- Talia Gaytan, ACSW

“Crystal is an extremely empathetic and passionate social worker. She has an ability to inspire others with her innovative ideas and remarkable experience in the field. I’ve had the pleasure of serving in a leadership role together. She’s collaborative, supportive and takes action. I’ve enjoyed working with her and knowing the field is a better place because of her! I can’t wait to see how she transforms military social work!”

-Molly Zive, LCSW senior social worker at VA San Diego 

“I am honored to endorse Crystal Bettenhausen-Bubulka, LCSW, Founder and Executive Director of Strength in Service. Her leadership in creating a platform that empowers and supports our military community is truly inspiring. As a clinical social worker, Crystal exemplifies compassion, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of others. Her ability to connect with individuals, coupled with her deep understanding of mental health, allows her to lead with empathy and precision. Crystal's work not only transforms lives but also strengthens the very fabric of our service community. She is a remarkable leader and a trusted clinician.”

My best and my highest respect,
Jason D. Gordon, Maj, USAFR, DSW, LCSW, BCD

“The words 'trustworthy' and 'integrity' come to mind when thinking about Crystal. She is the utmost professional and I consider myself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with her in professional and academic capacities. Her dedication and compassion are evident in her work and truly set her apart from others. What a gift to know her and have complete trust in her abilities and services.”

-Alexis Coulourides Kogan, PhD, MSG, FGSA University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine of USC USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology

"Crystal is a clinical social worker, military spouse, and leader who embodies self-awareness, compassion, courage, and a commitment to advocating against injustice. She also plays a key role in developing others who share these qualities. Anyone touched by military life would be fortunate to receive her care." 
 
 -Ruth Anne Kramer, LCSW / Author of You Belong: A Guidebook to the Careerminded Woman on the Move

"Crystal demonstrated an exceptional ability to connect with volunteers while maintaining a strong focus on supporting client needs. Her management approach showcased her dedication to creating a meaningful impact for clients while fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment for her team. In addition to directly supporting clients, Crystal developed and implemented effective processes and procedures to ensure the smooth operation of programs.

Managing a team of volunteers from around the world required Crystal to balance a long-term strategic vision with the ability to stay grounded in day-to-day operations. This demanding role necessitated cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and a deep commitment to teamwork. Crystal's social work training, combined with her tireless work ethic, allowed her to navigate this complexity with remarkable success.

Her leadership was both inspiring and practical, as she empowered volunteers and ensured they were well-trained and supported to meet program goals. Crystal’s ability to lead with vision while addressing immediate challenges exemplifies her strength as a leader. Strength In Service thrives under her guidance, and the organization’s continued success is a testament to her dedication, skills, and unwavering commitment to service."

-Mary-Justine Todd, Founder/CEO Shamsaha

Crystal embodies the true essence of a social worker—compassionate, dedicated, and professional. Throughout my time as her supervisee, I consistently felt supported, inspired, and empowered. As a fellow military spouse, Crystal understood how the service of our family to the Navy meant my career and progress toward licensure were a constant uphill battle. Crystal jumped into the trenches with me and give me hope that I could finally achieve my own career goals. She helped me find my own voice as an associate social worker and instilled a sense of confidence that I had not experienced in other supervisory relationships. Her guidance has been invaluable in my growth, both personally and professionally. I am deeply grateful for the care and expertise she has provided throughout our work together.

-Andrea M. ASW Supervisee and Veteran spouse

“Crystal creates an engaging and collaborative supervision experience that balances expert guidance with the freedom to explore your unique path as a social worker. Her dedication to ongoing learning and thoughtful supervision has been pivotal in my growth, helping me build confidence and refine my skills in meaningful ways.”

-Kari deLongpre, MSW, Associate Social Worker

“I had the privilege of working under Crystal Bettenhausen-Bubulka, an outstanding LCSW whose empathy, and compassion made a profound impact on my professional growth. Her ability to listen with genuine care and understanding created a supportive environment that allowed me to speak in supervisions with vulnerability, which was imperative to where I was at in my Social Work career. Crystal leads with grace, creating a healthy self reflective learning environment with a thoughtful and empowering approach. Her unwavering dedication to the social work profession makes her a role model to myself and the community she serves in.”

- Talia Gaytan, ACSW

“Crystal is an extremely empathetic and passionate social worker. She has an ability to inspire others with her innovative ideas and remarkable experience in the field. I’ve had the pleasure of serving in a leadership role together. She’s collaborative, supportive and takes action. I’ve enjoyed working with her and knowing the field is a better place because of her! I can’t wait to see how she transforms military social work!”

-Molly Zive, LCSW senior social worker at VA San Diego 

“I am honored to endorse Crystal Bettenhausen-Bubulka, LCSW, Founder and Executive Director of Strength in Service. Her leadership in creating a platform that empowers and supports our military community is truly inspiring. As a clinical social worker, Crystal exemplifies compassion, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of others. Her ability to connect with individuals, coupled with her deep understanding of mental health, allows her to lead with empathy and precision. Crystal's work not only transforms lives but also strengthens the very fabric of our service community. She is a remarkable leader and a trusted clinician.”

My best and my highest respect,
Jason D. Gordon, Maj, USAFR, DSW, LCSW, BCD