Aliya Castillo

Aliya Castillo is the founder of a nonprofit afterschool program in Middletown, New York, where she has worked for the past three and a half years. With more than 20 years of experience as an educator, she previously taught sixth grade in the Bronx for her entire classroom career, briefly operated her own preschool, and served as a grade team leader. She holds a master's degree in literacy and a master's degree in school building leadership. Castillo's program focuses on educating adolescents, with communication skills woven into every cycle, alongside community-based projects that connect participants with local organizations. She is the Education Committee Chair for the NAACP Middletown branch, a member of Society Incorporated and Middletown Cares, and a former member of Kappa Psi International. Her approach prioritizes building rapport with students and parents while fostering life navigation skills beyond academics.