Christel graduated from the National University of Singapore as a scholar with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Literature. Previously an editor and journalist, Christel started her career with the Straits Times and has since worked in television, and published in various local and international magazines such as Motherhood, Global Health and Travel, Jetstar and Expat Living. Christel also spent seven years as a debate coach and adjudicator for the national secondary school debating championships. Immediately prior to taking up her position with Prep Zone, Christel worked as a Language Specialist, teaching English at Chiang Mai University.