Tori Casteel (FHSD Staff, Maddux Elementary)
I knew I wanted to be a teacher while attending Anderson High School in the late 90’s. I had the
opportunity to be a student aide in Kathy Wagner’s special needs classroom. I loved my time
working in her room and it quickly became the highlight of my day. It was an easy choice when
deciding that I would enter the education field. While attending Ohio State University, I worked in
the summer at Camp Stepping Stones. There, I continued to grow my passion for special
education. After graduation, I started my first teaching assignment at North College Hill in
Cincinnati, where I gained valuable experience that shaped who I am today. The stars aligned
in 2006 when an opening at Maddux became available. I, myself, was a Mustang and my niece
was beginning kindergarten there. It seemed natural to be back in the building where it all
started. I began my Forest Hills career as an intervention specialist. Later I had the opportunity
to work for my 4-6 ELA licensure. I remain dual licensed in special education and 4-6 ELA.
Working at Maddux has been so rewarding. Not only do I live in the Maddux area, but my own
children, nieces and nephew have been lucky enough to be Mustangs as well. I love running our
Student Council and serving as a director for Camp Kern. This year marks my 21st year of
teaching!
