Staff Spotlight: Kat Castillo of the Health Office

Share a brief bio with us! Every time it’s about me, I always blank—it’s all a blur now! Before Poly, I was coaching JV soccer at Viewpoint High School and also was going to school at LACC as a full-time student. Currently, I live in Highland Park. I am an athlete and love to play any kind of sports. My partner Cesar worked at Poly before I came here and luckily I got the position with the after-school program (Poly Extended Program - PEP). I was already coming to watch him coach and got to know Poly. I was able to fit in with everyone and got to know everyone.

What do you do at Poly? My current role is the Health Office assistant. I am here to help Marcy with things that arise in the Health Office such as mask distribution, and I manage the weekly COVID-19 testing. I make sure everyone is tested weekly and receives their registrations. I also help with any other need a parent has. I assist Marcy in the health office with other logistical things like Magnus and help the Athletics department with their practices. I will be the new JV assistant coach for girl’s soccer. I’ve also been doing other things during COVID times such as helping with reception and the business office. I’ve been all over Poly for the last couple of months!

What do you enjoy about your work? Being able to help everyone. I am a person that likes to be put in places where people need help. I am always willing to lend a hand because I know how important it is to get certain things done. I like being able to help with the momentum, to make things run things smoothly.

How can others at Poly support you? Right now is the perfect example. I asked my PEP coworkers to help us with mask distribution and in the Health Office. Without them,  I never would have gotten it done. Lending a hand and helping us out is the best I can ask for. 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? I enjoy watching and playing soccer. I also like to practice yoga, watch cooking and baking shows, and come up with new plant-based recipes. I enjoy being outdoors as much as I can, especially on the soccer field or the beach. 

What’s something you’ve watched or listened to lately that you’ve enjoyed? A podcast called “The Model Health Show.” Recently, I’ve been really into nutrition and learning what fuels our body. 

Who would you like to compliment for their work at Poly? I think it would be Marcy. She is the glue holding this school together. A lot of things are going through our department, and she deserves that credit. Without her, we would not be here.