Saturday Spotlight: Name: Melissa Castka
Age: 41 (for the next week)
Marital status: Is it ridiculous that I need a paragraph to explain this? Married in 2005-2010 (looks like a resume lol)- my ex lives .25 miles away and we have a good co-parenting relationship. We have two children together- Noah and Lily Mach.
Remarried in 2015 to Keith Castka, my childhood neighbor, and boy next next door
we have known each other since we were 3. We share his son, Aedan, with his ex wife and her fiancé who live in PA.
Kids: Noah (13), Lily (10), and bonus son Aedan (11 on 6/23)
Occupation: Dean of Students and English teacher at Floral Park Memorial High School
Hobbies: Running, camping, kayaking, biking, hiking, dancing, reading, beaching….I am convinced I am solar powered
Hometown and current town: Bellmore (I am back in the house I grew up in since my father passed in 2012. It is hi-ranch set up as a mother-daugher, so my mom is no longer alone. As a kid, we shared this house with my grandparents also.It has always had at least two generations in it. Moving back in after losing my dad, made me feel like home again also).
College: SUNY Albany for BA and MS, CW Post for Administration and Adelphi for Cultural Diversity certificationFavorite
Race: Bridge Hampton Half 2018….my first and only non virtual half after signing up for two prior, but having to drop out due to injuries (fractured a hip and then fractured an ankle and tore tendons…good times). I also do love running any race with my kids. I love seeing them push for their goals. Frequent running spots: the streets of Bellmore, Eisenhower Park, Norman J Levy, and of course the Hills
Personal message: I am super excited to share my story so that people know me more. I absolutely love this group. I have never met such welcoming people in my life. This group has been one of my major bright spots of 2020.