In the fall of 1997, Kristal participated in the Leadership Greater Madisonville program sponsored by the Madisonville Chamber of Commerce.
While in the masters program, she was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, the honor society for collegiate schools of business. While in college, Kristal served as a Resident Advisor and Racer Cheerleader. She worked as a bank teller, gymnastics teacher and instructor for the International Cheerleading Foundation based in Kansas City, Missouri. Kristal and her husband, Jeff, a Physical Education / Health / Wellness teacher and football/basketball coach at Fort Campbell High School reside in White Plains, Kentucky with their daughter, McKensie and a yellow lab, Magnum. They enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, boating, swimming, canoeing, playing softball and traveling across the United States.