California Commission on Aging, July 2023

Meet Commissioner Castile

With more than 20 years in the long-term care profession, Commissioner Erika Castile brings energy, passion, and expertise to her work on the California Commission on Aging. Commissioner Castile’s focus in her first term on the Commission has been workforce development and person-centered, quality care in residential facilities. A commitment to social justice, service, and a love of senior care fuels her work.

Having served as Skilled Nursing Home Administrator and Executive Director of residential care facilities for the elderly throughout her career, Commissioner Castile knows firsthand the challenges and concerns of residents and staff. She is dedicated to building a culture of caring among co-workers, residents, and families through building relationships, offering mentorships, and improving morale in the skilled nursing homes, assisted living, memory care, and independent living communities she serves. Commissioner Castile invests in the future of long-term care through engagement and advocacy to improve quality measures and institute staffing reforms, collaborating with various state long-term care facility licensing agencies, publishing articles, and partnering with legislators.

 

Commissioner Castile started her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and earned a master’s degree in Gerontology from San Diego State University. She is a graduate of the California Association of Healthcare Facilities (CAHF) Nursing Home Leader Academy of Excellence and the prestigious AHCA/NCAL National Leadership Program. Commissioner Castile served as President of the CAHF Kern County Chapter and is presently a San Diego Chapter honorary member. The California Association of Long-Term Care Medicine recently recognized Commissioner Castile for developing one of California’s top five best practices – the Pain Management in Short-Term Patients project.

 

As Chair of CCoA’s Federal Advocacy Committee, Commissioner Castile is focused on the critical area of workforce development, one of the Commission’s top policy priorities. She wants to expand training  provided through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, a federal program. She champions increasing opportunities within the field of Gerontology, proposing the expansion of professional training for skills development and caregiving certifications for CNAs and other caregivers.

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