2025 40 Under 40: Crystal Copeland

Last edited 12:30 p.m., March 11, 2025 [Editor's note: The article has been edited for clarity in Crystal Copeland's role.]

At Judicial Services of the Ozarks, a venture Crystal Copeland launched in 2017, she assumes multiple roles – such as probation officer and pretrial services officer – for clients navigating the legal system. That’s while often serving as a mentor, counselor and adviser to help inspire growth in their lives while providing accountability through programs she says offer a much-needed community service.

In the past year, Copeland, 36, has worked with court programs in Christian and Webster counties to aid defendants by blending supervision, mental health and substance abuse treatment to divert them from prison and lower recidivism rates.

Copeland also serves as the executive board secretary for The Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters, a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of the Ozarks.

First job? Crystal’s Lawn Care. That’s right, I was an entrepreneur at the ripe age of 11! Granted, my dad did the lion’s share of the mowing; my duties were obtaining new clients, push mowing, invoicing and collections. I was probably a less-than-ideal business partner, but the lessons stuck and I appreciate it. Thanks, Dad!

What would shock people about your job? A large part of my job is essentially a mix of babysitting, detective work and an adult-sized game of hide-and-seek. Though I can appreciate creativity, you’d be surprised at the amount of people who believe they can falsify a drug test or tamper with their GPS and escape detection or consequences.

Best piece of advice you’ve received? Celebrate the small wins! If you don’t appreciate successes along the way, you will constantly feel like you are falling short when really you just keep raising the bar.

Favorite local food order? The Farmer at the Aviary Cafe, with a side of pommes frites.