Alumni Profile: Jason Castaneda ‘14 Follows His Passion for Medicine with Heart
For Jason Castaneda ‘14, his time at Marin Horizon School – from Toddler to Eighth Grade – was more than just a school experience, it helped lay the groundwork for his path toward a career in medicine and instilled in him a deep commitment to empathy for all.
Says Jason, "At MHS, I met people from so many different backgrounds. I learned that although we come from different walks of life, we are all people and deserve respect. Being open-hearted and open-minded is essential in medicine."
Jason’s path has taken him from the Marin Horizon campus to Marin Catholic High School, and eventually to the University of Southern California, where he earned a degree in Human Biology. Today, Jason resides in Santa Maria, California where he’s studying for his master’s degree to become a Physician Assistant/Associate (PA). His desire is to serve patients in diverse and medically underserved communities.
Looking back, Jason fondly remembers his time at Marin Horizon, especially Outdoor Education trips (and plenty of s’mores around the campfire) with Joel Booth, and the hands-on catapult pumpkin launch project with teacher Mo Poxon.
Jason made a strong impression on teacher Joel Booth, too. Joel shares, “Jason encompassed the Marin Horizon spirit. He was a caring soul and a leader. I remember during our eighth grade outdoor ed trip to Tahoe, we finished kayaking and it began to snow. All the kids gathered around the fire to warm up, while Jason was pulling kayaks out of the water.”
It’s no surprise that the qualities he showed as an eighth grader continue to define the adult he is becoming.
Read the full interview with Jason
Q. When did you begin attending Marin Horizon, and what year did you graduate?
I started at Marin Horizon School as a toddler when I was only two years old. When I first began, we didn’t have the Toddler Cottage. Our “toddler cottage” was located where the current 1st grade classroom is now (in the movable classrooms). I continued at Marin Horizon until I graduated in 2014.
Q. What schools did you attend after Marin Horizon? What were your fields of study and what degrees did you earn?
After graduating from Marin Horizon, I attended Marin Catholic High School from 2014 until graduating in 2018. From there, I continued my education at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, where I completed my bachelor’s degree in Human Biology, with a pre-medical track.
After college, I further developed my passion for medicine by working as a Medical Scribe/Assistant at Marin Community Clinics. During my time there, I served and assisted patients from diverse and medically underserved backgrounds, observed how various providers interacted with their patients, and worked across a variety of specialties, including Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, Gastroenterology, and orthopedic spine surgery to name a few
Q. What are you doing now, professionally and personally?
I am currently working towards my master’s degree in Physician Assistant/Associate studies at A.T. Still University and hope to graduate in September 2027. After graduating, I look forward to working in fields such as Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, or Orthopedics, with a specific interest in continuing my passion for serving patients from diverse and medically underserved backgrounds.
Outside of academics, I have a strong interest in athletics, particularly football and baseball (GO RAIDERS AND DODGERS!). I also enjoy visual arts, especially ceramics and pottery, and attending music concerts. Recently, I’ve picked up a new hobby of playing cornhole during PA school, which has been a fun way to stay active and connected with classmates.
Q. What is your favorite memory of Marin Horizon School? Educational or otherwise?
One of my favorite memories at Marin Horizon was the Outdoor Education trips during sixth through eighth grades. From camping on Mount Tam to kayaking in Tomales Bay and Lake Tahoe, I was able to step away from the classroom and adventure in the world around me. I bonded with my classmates through fun activities, learned a multitude of knot-tying techniques for the man, the myth, the legend Joel Booth!, and enjoyed almost endless s’mores around the campfire. Still, one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE memories was definitely building catapults and seeing how far we could launch pumpkins.
Q. Who was your favorite teacher and why?
This is a very hard question to answer, as I LOVED all of my teachers throughout the years. However, if I had to choose two, they would be my science teacher Mo Poxon and my PE teacher Joel Booth. Every time I stepped into their classroom or started PE class, they were filled with endless energy. They made me feel excited about the day and pushed me to be the best version of myself, both academically in science and athletically.
Q. What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class throughout my time at Marin Horizon was PE. After sitting in a classroom all day, PE gave me a chance to run around, bond with my classmates, and enjoy sports such as flag football. Additionally, it allowed me to de-stress.
Q. How did Marin Horizon prepare you for your next steps - high school and beyond?
I think the most important lessons I learned during my time at MHS were organization and empathy.
As we grow older, life becomes more complex with endless responsibilities. It can be difficult to stay on top of everything. As a middle schooler, this was no different. From juggling assignments and tests in math, science, and language arts, it was easy to feel overwhelmed. However, my teachers instilled in me the importance of staying organized by using weekly planners and plenty of Post-it notes. Moving into high school and college, I faced even more challenging courses such as biomechanics, human anatomy, and muscle physiology. Although difficult, I relied on the organizational skills I developed at MHS, which earned me a place on the Dean’s List and honor roll.
When it comes to empathy, this lesson has had a significant impact on my life, both personally and professionally. At MHS, I got to meet lots of people from all different backgrounds and cultures. At the time, I just saw them as my friends, but I think that was an important and valuable lesson MHS taught me. Although we may come from different walks of life, we are all people and deserve the utmost respect. Throughout high school, college, and now as I pursue a career in medicine, this lesson of having empathy for all, being open-hearted and open-minded couldn’t be more true.
Q. With the benefit of hindsight, what do you think was unique about your education at Marin Horizon, compared with your peers in high school and beyond?
I think the most unique aspect of my education at MHS was how close-knit the community was. Whether you were a student, faculty member, or visitor, you immediately felt at home. You felt like you belonged and were coming to see your second family. From being greeted with a high five or a smile when I was dropped off, I knew it was going to be a great day at school. I can confidently say there are only a handful of places in my lifetime where I have felt that way.