Michelle Castaneto Elloren
Michelle Elloren is a dedicated Community Intake and Outreach Coordinator, currently serving as the Program Director for the J1/H1B Program at Anaya’s Way Immigration Advocates in the United States. With over 23 years of experience as a licensed professional elementary teacher in the Philippines, Michelle has demonstrated exceptional skills in classroom management, curriculum development, and student engagement. Her passion for education is matched by her commitment to social justice and human rights, highlighted by her recent certification as a Human Rights Consultant and her active involvement in rescuing trafficking victims alongside federal agencies.
Michelle holds a Master of Arts in Teaching English for Specific Purposes from Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology, where she also served as a part-time instructor, equipping students with English skills tailored for international employment. Beyond education, she has been a passionate volunteer for causes such as animal welfare, civil rights, and humanitarian relief. Michelle’s work extends deeply into community advocacy, combining her extensive teaching background with outreach efforts that empower vulnerable populations and foster meaningful social change.
• Licensed Professional Teacher
• Florida Teachers License
• Human Rights Education Training
• Bachelor in Elementary Education
• Masters in Teaching English for Specfic Purposes
• JCI
• Palm Co registration
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my passion for storytelling as a former school journalist, my deep commitment to helping others through NGO work and teaching, and the perseverance I brought to one of my proudest achievements—resolving a complex human trafficking case over five years, where I played a pivotal role in freeing a victim who was being held against her will by a diplomat.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to be resilient, lead with passion, give your full heart to the community, and always do your best—no matter the challenges you face.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Speak Up, Share your ideas and make your voice heard!
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is learning to effectively delegate field work while maintaining impact, and ensuring that everyone involved has the drive and dedication needed to serve vulnerable communities wholeheartedly.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are staying grounded in my beliefs and faith, letting them guide my actions, and embracing pressure as a catalyst for creativity and meaningful solutions.