Dr. Latasha Casterlow-Lalla is a proud product of the Passaic Public Schools. Latasha attended Montclair State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education in 2002 immediately followed by earning a Master of Arts in Counseling, Human Development and Guidance in 2003. 

 

In 2004, Dr. Lalla began teaching in her hometown as an Elementary Music Educator for the next 3 years. Latasha’s journey led her to attain a Master of Arts in Administration & Supervision from Montclair State University in 2007. Latasha served as an Elementary General Teacher for 5 amazing years.

 

In 2013, Latasha was appointed as the Supervisor of Gifted & Talented for Passaic Public Schools where she implemented the district’s first Saturday Enrichment Academy for 350 students and led the district’s Jump Into Summer Program servicing over 5,000 students. Latasha was selected as the founding Assistant Principal at the Passaic Gifted & Talented Academy, the city’s first magnet school in 2015. 

 

Over the past 8 years, Dr. Lalla has served as the Supervisor of Visual & Performing Arts. Latasha has worked to revive the Theatre Arts program in three high schools, introduce the Arts Integration, implement Modern Band in 9 schools and launch 5 state-approved Career & Technical Education Arts programs in Graphic Design, Music Technology, Digital Arts, Dance and Theatre Arts.  

 

Dr. Casterlow -Lalla is a national presenter highlighting the importance of Arts Education at numerous conferences elevating the importance of diverse representation in Arts education.  She is one of the co-developers of the Culturally Responsive Arts Education Workout Program.  Dr. Casterlow-Lalla is the President of the New Jersey Music Administrators Association and the Eastern Division Representative for the Council of Music Program Leaders for the National Association for Music Education. She also serves as a Board Member for the Institute of Music for Children in Elizabeth, New Jersey as well as the Music Will National Foundation Board.

 

Dr. Casterlow-Lalla is the founder of the Chattel House Publishing Company, co-founder of the  non-profit organization StudentsPreneur and TeachersPreneur. 

Marcos Navas is a visionary educator and entrepreneur deeply engaged in transforming educational practices through technology and innovation. As the founder and CEO of Hands on Coding, he leads initiatives that equip educators and students with the tools to thrive in digital environments. His projects, such as Latinos in Coding and the Esports Creative League, aim to democratize access to technology and empower the Latino community through inclusive, tech-driven educational programs.

In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Marcos serves as the organizer for TEDxJerseyCity, bringing thought-provoking ideas and community voices to the forefront of public discourse. He is also the driving force behind Studentspreneur, a platform that fosters young entrepreneurial talents by providing them with the resources to start and scale their businesses. His work emphasizes the importance of innovation, creativity, and practical skills in the evolving landscape of education.

A TED Ed Innovative Educator and an IDEO Teachers Guild Fellow, Marcos is committed to leveraging his expertise to inspire and lead transformative projects. His initiatives not only enhance educational outcomes but also build community and stimulate economic growth by turning learners into leaders and thinkers into creators.