Melissa Castiglia

Melissa Castiglia has a range of work experience in the education and recreation sectors. Melissa started their career as a Camp Coordinator at the Ridgefield Parks & Recreation Center in 2004, where they designed activities, schedules, newsletters, and field trips for various age groups. In 2010, Melissa worked as a Substitute in grades K-5 at Ridgefield Public Schools, implementing lesson plans and assisting students with special needs. Melissa continued their substitute teaching at Stamford Public Schools in 2011, where they differentiated material and substituted for a 3rd-grade class during a teacher's leave of absence.

In 2012, Melissa worked as a Teaching Assistant at New Canaan Public Schools before joining Stamford Public Schools as a Special Education Teacher in 2013. In this role, they taught kindergarten to fifth-grade students who required specialized instruction in reading, writing, and mathematics. Melissa's responsibilities included collecting data on individualized education program (IEP) goals, conducting educational evaluations, attending PPT meetings, providing SRBI support, and coordinating afterschool programs. Melissa also taught Extended School Year during the summer for students with IEPs.

Additionally, Melissa held the position of 2016 Fund For Teachers Fellow at the Fund for Teachers organization, where they engaged in professional development opportunities. Overall, Melissa's work experience showcases their expertise in special education, instructional support, and coordinating recreational activities.

Melissa Castiglia has a diverse education history. Melissa first attended Arizona State University from 2006 to 2010, where they obtained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in both Elementary Education and Teaching, as well as Special Education and Teaching. In 2011, they attended the University of Bridgeport and earned a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Education. Later, in 2017, they returned to the University of Bridgeport for an Advanced Certification in Educational Administration and Supervision, completing it in 2019.

In addition to their degrees, Melissa has attained several certifications. Melissa obtained the Advanced Certificate in Administration and Supervision from the State of Connecticut in October 2019. Furthermore, they hold a Professional Educator Teaching Certification in Elementary K-6 and a Professional Educator Teaching Certification in Special Education Comprehensive K-12, both acquired from the State of Connecticut in October 2016.