Nidia Castro, Fellow

Northridge Academy High School

Los Angeles, CA

Nidia Castro was born in Honduras in Central America and immigrated to the United States in 1985 at age of 17. In 1988, she graduated from high school and went on to obtain her B.A. Degree in Spanish Literature with a Minor in Linguistics from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).  She attended California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) where she completed her Bilingual, Cross-Cultural, Language and Academic Development/ Single Subject Professional Clear Credential. She taught Spanish Language and Spanish Literature at Los Angeles High School. She later obtained a Master’s in Counseling from Point Loma Nazarene University. Mrs. Castro wanted to make a difference in the personal lives of the students she served and left the classroom to become a counselor and later  completed a Master’s in School Administration from Point Loma Nazarene University. After 15 years at Los Angeles High School she joined the brand new team of administrators at Samuel Gompers Middle School in Los Angeles and later transferred to Grover Cleveland High School. In 2009, she became Principal at Vista Middle School in Panorama City.  In 2013, she was given the honor of becoming Northridge Academy High School’s new Principal. Mrs. Castro’s philosophy of education is simple; she believes that every child can learn, given the right circumstances and she strives to exemplify the motto of the school, “Inspire and Achieve.”  She believes in fostering positive relationships with all the stakeholders in her community.  

Carlos Valdovinos, Ally

Assistant Principal
Northridge Academy High School

Los Angeles, CA

Carlos Valdovinos who is the first-born son of two Mexican immigrant farm workers of humble means developed the ability to value everyone with respect and dignity. As a migrant education student who was born in this country, Mr. Valdovinos did not learn to speak English until the 3rd grade. His formative years and family background have shaped his desire to be an educator and gives him a special understanding of the experience of second language learners and those that come from poverty and disadvantage. At a young age he understood that academic success would be the road to realize his dreams and honor his parents’ sacrifice. Mr. V, as his students fondly refer to him, has dedicated his career to being of service to students in the pursuit of their dreams and aspirations through academic success.  After graduating high school, Mr. V went on to attend Ventura Community College, where he earned his associates of arts degree. He was then accepted to UCLA to complete his bachelor’s degree in Chicano Studies with a minor in Education. He received his administrative credential in 2002. Mr. V. started his career as a math teacher, a dean of discipline, an ELD Coordinator, an Assistant principal at a middle school and at a high school prior to coming to NAHS.  Mr. V’s philosophy on education is simple: “improve our communities, one student at a time.” It is his hope to inspire his students by playing a positive role in their lives.

Carlos is now the Principal of Fillmore Middle School in Fillmore, California.