James S. Castro – 1/29/11
Executive Director, St. Peter-St. Joseph Children’s Home (St. PJ’s)
In 14 short years James has gone from graduating with his Master’s degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from St. Mary’s University to a leader in our community promoting children’s and family’s well-being. Currently he is the Executive Director of St. Peter-St. Joseph Children’s Home (St. PJ’s) here in San Antonio. St. PJ’s cares for abused and neglected children, 138 at any given time, ranging in age from infancy to 17 years old. James was recognized by Governor Rick Perry for his work by appointing him in October 2009 to the Texas State Task Force to Reduce Child Abuse & Neglect.
Prior to this appointment Castro was appointed by Governor Perry and served six years on the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors, he also served on the Board of Mental Health America of Texas. His commitment to children and families includes serving as the Chair for the Bexar County Community Resource & Coordination Group (CRCG) for six years, 2002 -2008, as one of the initial leaders for the Bexar County Children’s Diversion Initiative that began in 2007 and also serving the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission as a member of its Models for Change initiative.
Before joining St. PJ’s Castro was the Director of Children’s Operations at the Center for Health Care Services (CHCS). He joined CHCS in 1999. While there he transformed the children’s division into a community partner and leader in assisting children with mental health needs. As a member of the Texas State Children’s Directors Consortium he was instrumental in bringing innovative programs to Bexar County through CHCS. He volunteered for Catholic Television of San Antonio for six years as a host of one of their longest running programs, Catholicism Live.
He currently holds licenses as a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist.
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