Meet the Team

Jamelyn Casoose

Jamelyn Casoose serves as the Program Director for the INVEST grant within the San Carlos community. In this role, she is responsible for supporting educational initiatives in collaboration with community stakeholders, schools, and leadership, embodying the belief that when we invest now, we thrive later.

A member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, Jamelyn brings over 15 years of education experience to her role. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to supporting individuals as they develop their future pathways, meeting each person where they are on their educational journey. Jamelyn is committed to assisting not only youth but anyone ready to take their next step forward.

Jamelyn encourages young people to embrace self-discovery through their educational and career journeys, reminding them to have fun, stay curious, and prioritize self-care and gratitude. To parents, families, and community leaders, she highlights that remarkable achievements happen when we invest in Indigenous children, helping them grow into adults with ambitious dreams.

Email: jcasoos1@asu.edu

Layla Thompson

Layla Thompson is a College and Career Readiness Assistant for the INVEST team within the San Carlos community, she collaborates closely with the Program Director, Jamelyn Casoose to support educational initiatives. In this role, she assists with outreach and events that empower students and community members to stay engaged with their education, explore future learning pathways, and discover viable career options. 

A proud member of the San Carlos community, born and raised within its bounds. She is currently in the pursuit of a degree in Social Work at the San Carlos Apache College. This academic endeavor reflects her profound dedication to enhancing the welfare and fostering the success of the youth within her community. Her commitment is not merely academic but very personal, stemming from her roots and her desire to contribute meaningfully to the lives of young Indigenous people. 

Layla deeply enjoys supporting environments where individuals can freely ask questions, gain access to essential resources, and supporting young people as they traverse their educational and career journeys, holding the view that choices made with knowledge today foster a bright future.

Shane Castillo

Shane Castillo Manning is a passionate advocate for continuing education and is working on the Invest Grant as a college and career readiness coordinator, focusing on expanding educational access and creating clear pathways for students in rural and tribal communities. Through her work with regional engagement initiatives, she helps bridge the gap between higher education and local school districts, ensuring students have the practical resources and guidance necessary to thrive both academically and professionally.

Shane delivers tailored programming designed to improve academic achievement and career readiness for middle and high school students. By collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, she implements workshops and individualized career exploration that emphasize personal resilience and goal-setting. Her approach helps students see postsecondary education as an attainable path while respecting the unique traditions and heritage of their home communities.

Shane works to build sustainable partnerships that support local leadership and student success. Her efforts are instrumental in driving key outcomes, such as increasing high school graduation and college enrollment rates. Through her professional advocacy, she supports the grant’s mission of broad educational reach, empowering the next generation of leaders within the San Carlos Apache Tribe, the Tohono O’odham Nation, and beyond.