Jeanine Castagna: From Autism Diagnosis to Leading a K-2 Autism Class
Jeanine Castagna, MPS, brings a uniquely informed perspective to her work as a Special Education Teacher with Yonkers Public Schools. Diagnosed with autism as a child and told by doctors she wouldn't be able to speak, she credits her mother for getting her the right support and proving those predictions wrong. Today, she leads a K-2 autism class designed to meet the needs of students requiring moderate to high support, developing individualized, multi-modal curriculum frameworks that integrate Next Generation Learning Standards, Unique Learning systems, and IEP goals.
Her approach incorporates visual supports, American Sign Language, music, and hands-on activities to meet diverse learning needs. This methodology reflects both her formal training and her diverse experience across early intervention, preschool special education, ABA therapy, and adaptive swim instruction. At Swim Angelfish, she became a certified Swim Whisperers instructor, teaching children and adults of all abilities - including those with autism, Down syndrome, anxiety, and trauma - through inclusive swim methodologies.
Jeanine holds both a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and a Master of Professional Studies in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from Manhattanville University, where she participated in the Castle Scholars Honors Program and served as president of the Manhattanville Valiant Access Club. Her academic excellence earned her recognition through the Castle Pin, Castle Scholars Leadership Award, Manhattanville Leadership Certificate, and The Clark Student Coordinator Leadership Award in 2020, along with the Chairman Scholarship in 2016. Most recently, she received the SEPTA Spirit Award in 2025.
Beyond the classroom, she has served as a youth cheerleading coach and founded a community service program at Manhattanville that used dance and creative expression to engage children from underserved communities. She maintains memberships in Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society, Psi Chi Psychology Honor Society, and the National Society of Leadership and Success.
Jeanine credits her mentor, Special Education Teacher Christine Fara, with guiding her throughout her journey in Yonkers Public Schools. When asked about her approach, she offers this advice to young women entering education: "Pace yourself. Teaching is such a rewarding career, but it's also demanding. With the nationwide teacher shortage, you have the opportunity to find the school that's the right fit for you - don't be afraid to take the time to make that choice."
Outside her work as an educator, she values balance in her personal life, staying active through reading and currently training for Hyrox. These pursuits help her stay grounded and energized so she can give her best to her students every day. She continues to see education as the foundation for empowerment, change, and the future of society.
