This is where it all began—for me, and maybe for you too.
WELCOME IN
Before I was a parent coach, I was simply a mom trying to do her best. I became a mother young, with big dreams and a bigger heart, balancing college papers with diaper changes and navigating new parenthood while still learning who I was. Over time, my passion for art, education, and emotional connection
all wove themselves into the way I showed up—for my kids, my students, and now, for the families I coach. I’ve always believed that parenting is less about having all the answers and more about showing up with curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to grow. That belief led me to create Raising Our Future—and if you’re here, you’re part of it now.
Before I was a parent coach, I was simply a mom trying to do her best. I became a mother young, with big dreams and a bigger heart, balancing college papers with diaper changes and navigating new parenthood while still learning who I was. Over time, my passion for art, education, and emotional connection all wove themselves into the way I showed up—for my kids, my students, and now, for the families I coach.. I’ve always believed that parenting is less about having all the answers and more about showing up with curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to grow. That belief led me to create Raising Our Future—and if you’re here, you’re part of it now.
The Heart Behind Raising Our Future
MEET THE FAMILY
Our story began like many others—two college kids balancing textbooks, toddlers, and endless bowls of microwave ramen. I became a mom at 21, navigating parenthood alongside my college sweetheart and husband, while we both worked our way through school and life. We juggled part-time jobs, late-night study sessions, and diaper changes—often all in the same day. We didn’t come from perfect models of parenting, and we certainly didn’t have it all figured out. But we showed up, every day, with love, curiosity, and a deep desire to create something better for our kids.
Our daughter, Mercedes, and son, Nico, are now incredible young adults (and let’s be real — some of my greatest teachers). They’ve been a part of this journey from the very beginning and continue to inspire everything I do. There were moments of joy, exhaustion, laughter, and “what are we even doing?” panic. But through it all, we built a family rooted in connection, communication, and growth. And that is where Raising Our Future was born—from the messy, beautiful, in-between moments that shaped us into who we are. So when I say I get it—I really do.
The Heart Behind Raising Our Future
Before I became a mom, a teacher, or a parent coach—I was a kid trying to understand the world around me.
Where It All Began
My childhood was shaped by both love and hardship. My parents divorced when I was three due to my dad’s struggles with alcoholism, which continued for years and eventually led to his passing by suicide. My brother, who I loved deeply, faced his own battles with addiction and passed away far too young, leaving behind five children and a future that will always feel unfinished. But even through all of that, I also experienced connection, laughter, and stability in small but meaningful ways. I had a mom who did her best to show up, teachers who believed in me, and mentors who reminded me that I was worthy of love and capable of something more.
Those early years shaped me. They gave me a deep curiosity about how people connect, how they heal, and how families can grow stronger even through grief and adversity. I didn’t know it then, but Raising Our Future was already being written — in every moment I felt safe, every adult who chose presence, and every time I decided that things could be different. Over time, I learned something powerful: parenting doesn’t start the day we become parents. It starts with the patterns, beliefs, and relationships we experience as children ourselves. And that means we have the power to choose what we carry forward— and what we lovingly leave behind.
A glimpse
from the past...
From Life Lessons to Leadership
2000
Married my Husband — still going strong 25 years later.
2001-2003
Became a mama to two while finishing college. Diapers, textbooks, and takeout.
2008
Started teaching art in public schools and fell in love with the power of creativity and connection in the classroom.
2010
Created and led a children’s
after-school arts program in Leavenworth, WA with a local nonprofit.
2012
Took teens abroad on two educational EF Tours to Italy and Costa Rica
2020
Named Teacher of the Year by my peers for the deep connections I built with students and families.
Jan 2025
Joined the Junior League of Boca Raton in a leadership role—continuing my passion for community support and volunteer work.
March 2025
Became a Certified Parent Coach through the Jai Institute and have walked alongside 4 incredible families through transformational seasons.
Ready to connect or curious about working together?
I’d love to hear more about your story and support you in whatever season you’re in.
A glimpse from the past
CLIENT LOVE
"I used to parent from guilt and guesswork- now I lead with confidence, clarity, and connection"
Before working with Castilia, I felt lost, frustrated, and unsure how to stay calm during stressful parenting moments. I worried I’d be judged or told I was doing everything wrong — but from the very first conversation, Castilia made me feel safe, supported, and seen. Her guidance changed everything. I now have practical tools that actually work, more peace in my home, and a deeper connection with my child that I didn’t know was possible.
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CLIENT LOVE
"I feel like the parent I’ve always wanted to be."
I was juggling work, two young kids, and just trying to make it through each day without blowing up. I didn’t realize how much of my own childhood was still showing up in how I responded to my kids. Castilia didn’t just give me strategies— she helped me understand myself. Her warmth, humor, and honesty made it feel like I was talking to a wise friend who gets it. I’ve learned how to regulate myself, which has completely changed the way I show up at home. We’re all a little calmer now, and that’s everything.
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CLIENT LOVE
"I thought something was wrong with my kid — turns out, I just needed a new lens."
I came into this thinking I needed help fixing my child’s behavior. What I got was so much deeper. Castilia helped me understand what was really going on underneath the surface — for both of us. I was reacting out of fear and frustration without even realizing it. Her coaching gave me practical tools and emotional insight. Now, instead of feeling like we’re on opposite teams, I feel like we’re in this together. It’s a completely different energy in our home, and I’m so grateful.
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CLIENT LOVE
"If you could do anything to infuse your family with more connection and calm, then work with Castilia!"
I was hesitant. I didn’t know what to expect or if it would really help. But from our first call, Castilia made me feel safe and supported. She’s not here to judge—she’s here to walk with you. I’ve grown more in a few weeks than I did in years of reading parenting books. I feel stronger, more equipped, and honestly just more hopeful. My relationship with my child feels lighter, and I’m learning how to lead with love, not pressure.