Crystal Tyler-Mackey

Dr. Crystal Tyler-Mackey has more than twenty years experience with Virginia Cooperative Extension. She serves as a Community Viability Specialist and an Extension Leader in Inclusion and Diversity. She also holds a faculty appointment in the Department of Agricultural, Leadership, and Community Education at Virginia Tech.

In her current role, Tyler-Mackey emphasizes family and community strengthening. She partners with local Extension units, community agencies, and other groups to address social and health-related issues that impact communities and families. Among the many topics that she addresses are risky behaviors among youth, parental and family relationships, obesity and chronic disease, food programs for older adults, and parents with special education students. She has also trained agents in conflict resolution and programming for urban communities.

Crystal’s academic career began at Virginia Tech, where she earned a bachelor's degree in family and child development. After graduation, she studied at the University of Maryland at College Park, earning a master's degree and doctorate, both in family studies.