Voices from the Field: Elevating and Celebrating the Impact of Laura Castillo

"It was fall of 2017 and Denver had just received funding for a national grant from the Wallace Foundation. The grant’s goal was to integrate social emotional learning from 7am to 7pm…what would the impact be on youth and families if day school and afterschool staff worked in partnership to make this happen? I walked into Cowell, one of our Phase I sites during Discovery Link, and kids were swarmed around one staff member. She had a warm smile and all the kids were eager to share their day with her. I turned to the Program Supervisor at the time and asked, who is this staff member? She responded, “Laura Castillo.” I knew Cowell was something special and that Miss Laura was part of the magic." 

Miranda Cook, DAAlearn Lead

Voices from the Field: Elevating and Celebrating Impact where we interview and share the story of OST professionals and organizations serving in various roles that are making a demonstrated impact on Denver communities. It was an honor to spend time with Laura and share a small part of her story and the impact she is making on youth and families at Discovery Link at Cowell Elementary School.  
 

DAA Team: Tell us about your story and how you started working in the OST space.

Laura: I have been with Discovery Link at Cowell for nearly 10 years. I was a Program Lead for 7 years and am in my second year as Program Supervisor. I came to the US from Mexico when I was in the 2nd grade and eventually became a DACA recipient. I met Sara, the Program Supervisor before me, when I was volunteering at Cowell as a parent. All 3 of my daughters went to Cowell so I was pretty involved. I would see Sara and all she was doing with kids in the afterschool space and thought it would be a great place to work. I was working nights at Walmart and not feeling fulfilled so I applied with Discovery Link. I started as a Program Lead in 2015 and quickly saw and felt the impact I was making on youth and families. In 2022, Sara was promoted to Senior Supervisor within the department and said she only wanted to leave Cowell if I would apply for the Program Supervisor position. I applied, interviewed and was offered the position.

DAA Team: What is your “why” for doing this work and what have you learned?

Laura: The “why” for me is being a role model for kids and community, and to be part of their support system. It upsets me when kids leave Cowell and go into middle school feeling like they have no support. I love that I can be here to support kids and families. The community I grew up in was not consistent and my mom didn’t have this kind of support.  It warms my heart to hear stories from kids and their successes as they come back to visit.

DAA Team: Research tells us that having positive relationships with adults is critical for developing resilience and their success. What is your experience with that growing up? In your work now?

Laura:  My 4th grade teacher was super supportive, understanding and encouraging. After 6th grade, I had to return to Mexico and when I came back, I got my GED so I didn’t have a lot of supportive adults in my education journey. In my role now I see that it’s important that all kids have “their person,” it doesn’t have to be me, but it has to be someone. That is what I tell my staff now all the time. I get where the kids are coming from, understand and do not judge them. Many of my kids and families speak Spanish so I am able to communicate with them easily which also builds trust.

DAA Team: Can you share a story of an "ah-ha" moment when you knew your work was having an impact?

Laura: When I shared my personal story and journey with my students., it created a greater sense of openness and connection with them. They said with their words and their faces, “You really do understand”. Many kids come to me and say “I’m dumb. I don’t know how to read.” I remind kids not to be so hard on themselves. It is a gift to be a dual language learner, even though it is really hard sometimes. I share that I understand and that I still am learning to spell some things and mess up, and it’s ok. 

Former students consistently come back and visit and want to share their life, what is happening and often to get the encouragement, advice and understanding that I have to offer. Just yesterday a student came in and shared that she received her first college acceptance letter and is scared. We reminisced about how she struggled in 5th grade. I reassured her that she needs to believe in and trust herself. Regardless of where you come from, you can do anything you set your mind to and you can’t give up. 

DAA Team: What role do you see OST playing in supporting youth and communities on a larger scale (e.g., youth violence prevention, closing the racial equity gap, etc.)?

Laura:  Afterschool programming creates a safe space for young kids. Youth are engaged and invested instead of running around the city. They have more to do and achieve; I see it every day. We offer camps and other activities which expose youth to different cultures and opportunities they didn’t have before. We have family nights and offer opportunities for the whole family to be involved with their kids which builds a strong community.

DAA Team: What is the legacy you want to leave in the OST field?

Laura: I would love to have made an impact on the community, families and kids and know that they all are successful, thriving and doing great things, and that I was a part of that. 

Fun Fact: Laura’s daughter is working at Discovery Link at Newlon! Her legacy lives through her children as well. 

Sara Ulricksen-Avila, Senior Supervisor at ELCS, had this to share about Laura after working with and knowing her for over a decade:

"Laura is a vital part of the community at Cowell. Laura's story with OST began back in when she was a very involved parent. She has always realized that she also plays a part in her children's academic success. That is how she became involved with Discovery Link. Her time on the OST team at Cowell has been spent connecting with staff, students and families and building lasting relationships. She is a person that people can trust. Laura's work is impactful in so many ways and the Cowell community is lucky to have her!"