Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackeline Castillo.
Jackeline, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Social Work has been a part of my life for over 15+ years. Growing up, a child of immigrant parents taught me many valuable lessons throughout my childhood. I learned that education was very important and would lead me down a road of limitless possibilities. I have always known that I wanted to be in the helping profession but it wasn’t until I began college that I fell in love with social work. This area of work at its core is to help connect people to services and resources that will allow them to fulfill their goal. What I love is that it can be applied in so many different areas that the options of work are vast. My education as a social worker and my ability to speak a second language has given me the opportunity to work in various fields: Child Protective Services, Domestic Violence, Victim Services, and now Cancer Social Worker. In every job, I have found a passion to educate and inform people about their rights and allow them to make the most informed decision. I love being able to empower the people I work with and providing support when they need it the most. I think the best thing about all the jobs that I have held is that the people and families I work with are the ones that have taught me the most valuable lessons.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
You don’t become a social worker because you want an easy job. It definitely comes with its challenges and level of injustices that are beyond frustrating. It’s important to have a balanced life while working in these roles and reminding ourselves that as social workers, we aren’t mean to “fix things” we are there to assist with education, resources, support and advocacy for the person or family in need. For those future social workers, I would encourage them to find great mentors who can help to remind you that the work we do does have ripple effects even if we can’t see it.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker employed at the nonprofit, Mary Crowley Cancer Research in Dallas. The clinic works to provide new and innovative options for cancer treatment through clinical trial testing. As a full-time social worker, I work with patients and their family to help address any barriers or concerns they may face during their diagnosis. Cancer is one of those diseases that can have a very long lasting impact for the patient and family. In addition to dealing with their disease a multitude of other issues: Financial, Limited Access to Medical Care, Unemployment, Psychosocial, Legal, and End of Life Concerns. Dealing with all these complex issues can be overwhelming.
I am excited to work for a nonprofit that understands the complexities of this disease and feels it is important enough to have a social work position in their clinic. Mary Crowley not only understands the importance of providing clinical trials for cancer patients but help the whole person and situation.
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
Be open to learning. Never assume what a person is thinking or feeling. Sometimes just listening is the best tool and the most impactful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marycrowley.org/
- Phone: 972-566-3000
Image Credit:
Jenny Dunn
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