Dr. Cruz-Boone was born and raised in Bakersfield by a single teenage mother. She and her family attribute some of her professional success to the opportunities afforded her in Bakersfield public education. Chris and her twin sister were both part of the Performing Arts Magnet Program at Mt. Vernon Elementary. Chris met her future husband and best friend John Boone at Compton Jr. High school.  John and Chris attended East Bakersfield High School together class of 1999. At East they competed and qualified for state in both History Day and Bicentennial, Chris was also active in debate.  Chris and John went on to be married in 2003. They live downtown with their two elementary-aged children and their rescue dog Rupert. 

In addition to her academic writing Chris Cruz-Boone regularly contributes to local paper and online blogs.  Her "community voices" letters in the Bakersfield Californian reflect her values and experiences as Bakersfield native.  However, when she is not teaching she also records podcasts and videos about her family travels, yoga and beloved board game hobby.