Background

Dr. Reuben M. Castagno, LMHC/CSP
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, New York State
Certified School Psychologist, New York & Florida
Medical Reserve Corps, New York City

Associate Professor of Education & Psychology, Touro College
Research Fellow at the Film and Education Research Academy Teachers College, Columbia University
Adjunct Associate Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University

Dr. Castagno's clinical and academic research interests are in the areas of cultural studies, psychology, and education: Currently he is exploring the relationship between popular film and pedagogy at Columbia University. He is building a graduate research team at Touro College in the area of second language acquisition. Also, he is writing a book on Intersubjectivity and Pedagogy. Dr. Castagno received a Baccalaureate Degree (Magna Cum Laude) from the City University of New York and received his Masters and Doctoral Degrees in Developmental Psychology and Cultural Studies from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Dr. Castagno began as a public school teacher and psychologist and rose to become Professor, Field Supervisor, Director, and Coordinator of graduate programs in Special Education, Bilingual Education / Multiculturalism, and TESOL at The City University of New York, Bank Street College, Adelphi University, and presently he is the Director of the Graduate School of Education & Psychology/Touro College, Miami Campus. Under his leadership federal and state grants were written and awarded to implement and maintain graduate training programs in the areas of Bilingual and Special Education.
Dr. Castagno holds New York State certifications/licenses in the professional areas of Nursery, Kindergarten & Grades 1 - 6, School Psychology, and Mental Health Counseling. He has dedicated years of clinical practice working with children and families affected by HIV and AIDS at Kings County Hospital, Brooklyn. He is a full Member of the American Psychological Association and Faculty Advisor for the Graduate Chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children at Touro College, School of Education and Psychology / Graduate Division.
In 2005, Dr. Castagno became Professor and Chair of the TESOL and Bilingual Programs in New York City and in December 2006 Director of Touro's Graduate School and Psychology in Miami, Florida. Under his leadership, combined with an outstanding staff, he has promoted the graduate Programs in TESOL/Bilingual and has built bridges with community agencies across New York City and Miami in order to support teachers, clinicians, and the student population in the public and private sectors. Also, Dr. Castagno has formed new on-line courses and workshops to facilitate the training of future educators and clinical practitioners across school communities.