Employee Spotlight: Kristina Pabolo

At AcademySTAY, we’re proud to have a team of individuals whose personal stories and professional expertise help shape the supportive environment we offer to our students. One of those individuals is Kristina Pabolo, our compassionate and dedicated Case Manager.

Kristina, a Woodland native, brings both lived experience and professional skill to her role. Having grown up in foster care herself, Kristina knows first-hand the power of having someone in your corner—and the pain of not having that support. That’s why she’s committed to being a safe, reliable presence for the youth she now serves. “I want to be a safe place for the students,” she says, “something I lacked when I was in foster care.”

Kristina Pabolo, AcademySTAY's case manager, and her two children

One of Kristina’s proudest achievements is becoming a state-certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor, a license that not only recognizes her expertise but also reflects her deep commitment to walking alongside young people through their healing and growth. Her favorite part of working at AcademySTAY is helping students find resources, witnessing their growth, and watching their trust in the world slowly return.

Outside of work, Kristina finds joy in quiet creativity. She loves crafting—especially building miniature items—and on her days off, she enjoys simply resting and recharging. She’s also a proud mom of two and says that being a parent is one of her greatest joys.

Her comfort food of choice is pizza, and she’s a self-proclaimed night owl with a sweet tooth. One of her favorite fun facts? Cap’n Crunch’s real name is Horatio Magellan Crunch—and yes, it makes her smile every time she thinks about it.

A lifelong learner, Kristina dreams of traveling to Peru someday, drawn by the vibrant culture—and of course, the llamas. She also hopes to learn a new language, expanding her ability to connect with others even further.

When asked what advice she would give to AcademySTAY students, Kristina says:

“Never be afraid to ask for help. Whether you're working toward your goals, facing challenges, or just having a tough day, reaching out shows strength, not weakness. You have people here who genuinely care and want to see you succeed. You’re not in this alone—lean on the support around you and keep pushing forward.”

We’re incredibly lucky to have Kristina as part of the AcademySTAY family. Her journey, her heart, and her unwavering support of our students embody everything our program stands for: resilience, growth, and the belief that everyone deserves a chance to thrive.

If you’d like to learn more, sign up to volunteer, or find other ways to get involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your ongoing support—our work would not be possible without you.