Rebecca Caston is the Media Tech Paraprofessional at Jefferson Elementary School in Hammond. She is also an illustrator for the new children’s book “Celina the Silly Witch and her Misfit Pets.”
"I freelance on the side, so that's how I got involved with illustrating the book,” Caston said. "It was something I was hired to make. It was a bunch of illustrations to draw."
Based on a true story about a woman who rescued pets in Chicago, “Celina the Silly Witch and her Misfit Pets” is historical fiction that puts a magical spin on the real life story. In the book, the main character is a witch who can cast spells and use magic to rescue pets.
In her role at Jefferson Elementary, Caston oversees a variety of activities for children of different ages, pre-K through sixth grade.
“As the Media Tech Paraprofessional, I work with all grades,” Caston said. “The activities that I oversee include book check out, coding, read aloud with the little kids, coloring, crafts, and others. I'm basically the librarian!"
Now and then, the school’s older students read to the younger students, which also requires Caston’s coordination and oversight.
Prior to working at Jefferson Elementary, Caston worked in printing services at Hammond Area Career Center.
"I actually originally was hired by the Hammond Area Career Center to do printing and then was transferred to Jefferson Elementary School, but I really like it," she said.
Caston brought “Celina the Silly Witch and her Misfit Pets” in to show her students to inspire them to pursue their dreams. She hopes that showing them her work as a published illustrator will instill in them a confidence that anything can be done.
"I brought the book into school so that the kids could see that they can do anything,” she said. “They were so excited and loved reading it. We have two copies at school, and I can't keep it on the shelves."
For Caston, it is very rewarding to see her students driven to learn and grow. Even in her role as Media Tech Paraprofessional, this is Caston’s favorite aspect of her job, particularly when it comes to reading.
"The most rewarding component of my role is when a child finds a book that he or she loves, especially if they are having trouble reading,” she said.
Outside of work, illustrating is still very important to Caston. In fact, it's a hobby.
"In my free time, I love to illustrate, especially comics,” said Caston.
While Caston is originally from Lake Station, she does have family roots in Hammond. Her dad is originally from Hammond.
Between the new book and working with her students at Jefferson Elementary, Caston is a busy professional. “Celina the Silly Witch and her Misfit Pets” can be purchased on Amazon.