Director of Human Resources & Operations

Dear Dragon Families,

My journey in education spans many years and has been shaped by the students, families, staff, and communities I have had the privilege of serving. Throughout my career, I have remained grounded in James Comer's belief that, "No significant learning can happen without a significant relationship." This philosophy continues to guide how I approach education and leadership—by building trust, listening to others, and recognizing the important role every stakeholder plays in a child's success.

I began my career as a School Community Coordinator, where I spent several years working closely with students, families, staff, and community partners to bridge the gap between home, school, and the community. This experience taught me the importance of relationships, collaboration, and ensuring families feel connected and supported. I later became a School Counselor, which further strengthened my understanding of student, family, and staff well-being. Through this role, I learned to navigate difficult situations with empathy and professionalism, advocate for students, and collaborate with others to ensure students had the support they needed to be well and ready to learn.

Today, I am honored to serve as the Director of Human Resources and Operations. This role has allowed me to bring together the experiences, skills, and perspectives I have gained throughout my career to support the people and systems that help our school thrive.

My approach to leadership is rooted in being present, accessible, and willing to step in wherever I am needed. Whether I am supporting a student on the playground, assisting a staff member or instructional aide, guiding a family, or strengthening our school operations behind the scenes, I believe every interaction matters.

As I continue to grow as a leader, my goal is to listen to and learn from the voices of our students, families, and staff while providing unwavering support to our school community. By continuing to build meaningful relationships and work collaboratively, I hope to help create an environment where every member of our community feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Warmly,

Estefania Castro

Director of Human Resources and Operations

Irvine Chinese Immersion Academy