RAFAEL del CASTILLO

Rafael’s family came to the United States from Cuba when he was five years old. He accomplished a first for his family, a university degree from the University of Florida in Aerospace Engineering. 

 

Instead of rockets, his path led him into the science classroom, a master’s degree in Science Education from Florida International University, and postgraduate studies in Educational Research and Psychology.

 

Rafael has decades of educational leadership experience including two international assignments in Madrid and Prague. He served as Head of Seattle Girls' School and Bertschi School. Most recently he served as the Executive Director of Rainier Scholars, and he is currently serving as the Interim Executive Director of the Kids Discovery Museum (KiDiMu) on Bainbridge Island, WA. Rafael is a graduate of Third Sector’s Interim Executives Academy.

 

Rafael believes a leader must also be a learner. His learning has included ongoing exploration of his own “servant leadership,” serving the greater community on eight boards, and serving as a member and leader of five school accreditation teams. Throughout, he has maintained a connection to the classroom and the many iterations of teaching and learning – now including both brick and mortar and virtual models. He is a Visiting Assistant Professor at Pacific Lutheran University teaching graduate courses in science teaching methodology and integration of technology into the classroom. 

 

Rafael and his spouse, John, live on lovely Bainbridge Island with their dog, Lola. Yes, she is a showgirl! They love to read, explore the Pacific Northwest, and travel internationally. Their favorite destination is Italy!