As a first-generation Washingtonian and product of DCPS, Liana Castro knows the value and importance of relationships. After graduating from Duke Ellington School of the Arts, where she majored in Literary Media Arts, Liana went on to Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, where she earned her BA in Latin American Studies with a double minor in English and History. After a few years in the youth development realm, she earned her Master’s in School Counseling with a Specialization in Counseling Urban Youth at Trinity Washington University. To best prepare for the role of Bilingual School Counselor, she completed a psychology internship in Peru where she took classes and practiced her counseling skills in Spanish before joining DCPS.

With 10+ years in youth development and education, Ms. Castro operates with the understanding that every child is more than capable to achieve, grow, and mature – that each child can, will, and should reach their dreams. She is creative, resilient, and rambunctious in how she supports and cares for her students. She knows that every interaction matters, models what she wants to see, and never fails to expect the best from her students. Her office is a respite for students, staff, and parents alike. Ms. Castro works hard to ensure her students are seen, and that her coworkers heard and validated. As a Bilingual School Counselor, wherever she works, Ms. Castro operates with the confidence that there is no problem that cannot be consulted and cared for.