B.A.Crisp

B.A. Crisp

A Curious Beginning

B.A. Crisp’s eccentric one-legged grandfather, a passionate electrical engineer with a penchant for scotch and cigars, had a profound impact on her childhood. Working as a subcontractor and supervisor for two nuclear reactor testing facilities in rural Ohio, he nurtured Crisp’s early interest in science, innovation, and human behavior.

An Unexpected Turn

At the tender age of six, Crisp’s life took an abrupt turn when she was placed in foster care. Authorities cited her grandfather’s alcohol consumption, atheism, and irregular church attendance as detrimental, in part, to her upbringing. The other issue was that her mother was institutionalized. As a ward of the court, Crisp found solace in reading, exploring the woods, and chronicling her thoughts in journals – escapes that became a refuge from the instability of her youth.

Unveiling Hidden Truths

Crisp’s life unraveled further when she discovered that the man she believed to be her father was not her biological parent. During her stay on a remote Ohio farm bordering government-restricted land, she made a startling revelation. Rumors circulated about a mythical white Bigfoot roaming the area, which also contained two unmarked cemeteries. This enigmatic farm would later serve as the backdrop for Crisp’s debut and best-selling novel, Red Bird.

Resilience & Academic Pursuits

Crisp’s life took an upward trajectory when a former associate of her grandfather encouraged her to pursue higher education. This marked the beginning of her academic achievements, culminating in her graduation with top honors and further studies at prestigious institutions such as Ursuline College, The George Washington University, The London School of Journalism, and The University of Oxford, Exeter College.

Human Behavior Revisited

Crisp briefly served as a Psychiatric Assessment Specialist at a behavioral health center and major metropolitan hospital, where she demonstrated a remarkable talent for aiding troubled youths. Her straightforward approach often led to clashes with authority but underscored her unwavering commitment to mental health.

A Life Dedicated to Service

Later in life, Crisp leveraged her public and private connections to volunteer extensively in the fight against human trafficking. Her efforts contributed to the development of impactful programs and policies. Additionally, her diverse experiences forged a path in strategic intelligence, where she has advised private contractors and governmental agencies on national security matters, while continuing her anti-human trafficking advocacy.

Crisp’s journey highlights her humorous or heartfelt encounters with notable figures from entertainment, politics, national security, and law enforcement, whose dignity, she jokes, prevents her from naming them here.

In 2015, her dedication to service was recognized with a nomination for the Homeland Security Director’s Service Award, for her efforts to meet the mandates of the White House and Congress in the battle against human trafficking.