I was born in Mexico City, Mexico in 1977. When I was in kindergarten, I learned English through the "full immersion" approach; it was a gift to have learned a second language at an age when I was open and free of inhibitions. 

As a student in college, I had the opportunity to live in Paris, France for a year. There I studied French, I became fascinated with languages and later studied Italian. This exposure to different backgrounds defined my life. I became very much attached to my own traditions through experiencing various cultures from around the world. 

At the age of 23, I received a bachelor's degree in Hotel Management from La Universidad de Turismo y Ciencias Administrativas in Mexico City. I worked as a Tour and Travel Manager for independent hotels such as "La Jolla de Mismaloya" in Puerto Vallarta and "Karmina Palace" in Manzanillo and as Sales Executive for "Emporio Hotels". 

In 2003, I moved to New Haven, CT. during my first year here, I worked mostly as a private ESL tutor for adults. In 2005, I started working at the YMCA as a swimming instructor and lifeguard. I also began working as a substitute teacher for Kelly Services, before I was asked to become a long term Spanish substitute teacher at Branford High School. In 2006, I was offered a Spanish Teaching position at "The Pine Brook School" formerly Wightwood School in Branford, I have been teaching there ever since Prek through 8th Grade. 

My goal is to plant a seed in each child that grows into a tree full of knowledge about Spanish, my culture and my country. I will give them all the tools they need, and I know I will do it with all the responsibility, creativity, enthusiasm and happiness that characterize me. I love languages and I hope that my students will love them too.

Nuria Castello
Spanish