Hanna Castellano is a devoted musician and educator beginning her eleventh year in the classroom. Prior to coming to Ligon GT Magnet Middle School, Mrs. Castellano has been the chorus director at Heritage Middle School in Wake Forest, North Carolina for the last three years. In the seven years prior, Mrs. Castellano has taught kindergarten through eighth grade general music, chorus, steel drums, and musical theatre in Charleston County, South Carolina. Mrs. Castellano has served on her school PBIS/SEL and MTAC committees. In addition to teaching the International Baccalaureate PYP and MYP program, Mrs. Castellano taught three-week artistically gifted and talented students in Charleston County, South Carolina. 

During the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years, Mrs. Castellano facilitated a regional PLT of year-round calendar teachers in Wake County, as well as hosting district level PLT sessions. This year, she serves as the WCPSS Staff Development Chair for Middle School Chorus and is the WCPSS Middle School All-County Chorus Coordinator. Outside of music, Mrs. Castellano was the yearbook advisor for Heritage Middle School.

Each year, Mrs. Castellano’s students participate in NCACDA Middlefest, NCMEA State Honors Chorus, NCMEA Middle School All-State, WCPSS All-County Chorus and audition for NC Honors Chorus. In 2022, Mrs. Castellano’s students had the privilege of participating in the ACDA Southern Region Honor Choirs.

Mrs. Castellano’s students have traveled to perform at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, the Gaillard Center in Charleston, SC, Universal Studios and Disney Springs. 

Mrs. Castellano holds a Bachelors of Arts in Music from Campbell University with a concentration in voice and a Masters of Music in Music Education from the University of Florida. In addition, she is certified in Orff-Schulwerk Level I and II through Appalachian State University. Mrs. Castellano is a member of the North Carolina Music Educators Association, The National Association for Music Education, The American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and NC ACDA. Mrs. Castellano believes in the power of music education to positively impact one's future. Music builds bridges and connect us all. 

She currently resides in Raleigh with her husband Matthew, three children and dog Sampson.