Crystal Hernandez

Dr. Crystal Hernandez is a proud Cherokee who is a psychologist by training, Tribal disabilities expert, researcher, and mother to 3, including a wonderful Autistic young man. Recently serving the State of Oklahoma as an inpatient psychiatric hospital administrator, she has over 2 decades of experience in the mental health and addiction field. Dr. Hernandez serves as a Board member for the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma and the Arc of Oklahoma, and is also a Program Advisory Committee member for the State of the States in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. She believes in service to others and works relentlessly to improve clinical treatments, diagnosis, and equitable access to care for all. Culturally rooted supports and services are central to Dr. Hernandez, and she embeds this principle in every aspect of her life. Dr. Hernandez holds several executive level contracts, including those with several Tribal Nations. Lastly, she serves as the host of the Black Feathers Podcast, a partnered project between the State of the States and the Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma. Episodes focus on Native American experiences with intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health, anxiety disorders and healthcare access, among other topics.

"Building equitable and culturally-rooted systems are essential, especially when they reflect the foundational needs of all humans and bridge gaps for historically marginalized people. It is beyond time for our society to build safer spaces for all to thrive."