To The Editor,
“The blood runs deep” is a sentiment formed on the basis of a compelling connection to something. This sentiment is evident when you talk to Brian Castellanos for one minute or one hour. The connection he has to Lynn is almost eternal and one he honors again and again, as seen by his track record of advocacy for Lynn Public Schools support staff, therapists, guidance counselors, teachers, and students from all walks of life. A graduate of Lynn English and an invested longtime Lynn resident, Brian has had the time to live through, listen to, and learn all he’s needed to understand what makes Lynn beautiful, but most importantly, what Lynn needs. The work is never done, and this is something Castellanos takes personally.
Brian’s commitment to Lynn and its youth is supported by his endless dedication to various jobs and organizations, such as his experience working as a substance-abuse clinician for the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office. During his time with the MSO, he worked to reduce drug addiction and recidivism through community-based corrections and delivering 21st-century substance-abuse treatment programming. Brian has also worked as a master-level mobile crisis clinician and intensive care coordinator for Wayside Youth and Families, where he advocates for and works with families whose children have been tremendously affected by mental health illnesses. Through this work, he connects informal and formal resources to improve the quality of life of many people.
As a licensed child protection social worker serving in the Department of Children and Families Northern Regional Missing or Absent Unit, Castellanos is able to work toward protecting children from child abuse and neglect at the local, state, and federal levels. He has championed and advocated for child victims throughout his career in public service with passion and integrity. Castellanos organizes collaborative work through strength-based support networks he is a part of, helps lead care plan teams to help facilitate working relationships between young people and their schools, and recognizes the need in the Lynn community for consistent support of its culturally diverse population. Brian’s personal and work experience lends him a unique and exclusive perspective on the current and ongoing challenges schools, parents, educators, support staff, and human service providers face on a daily basis.
It is my pleasure and distinct honor, as not only an educator of the Lynn Public Schools system, a graduate of the Lynn Public Schools system, and a former 23-year resident of Lynn, but as Brian’s proud friend, to wholeheartedly endorse and support him as he seeks to hold his seat on the Lynn School Committee.
Sincerely,
Jacqlyn Feldmann
