Born and raised in Southern California, Joelle Casteix is a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara and completed graduate work at the University of Colorado, Denver. A classically trained operatic soprano, she has worked as a journalist, writer and public relations professional for most of her career. You can also occasionally see her in musical theater productions and classical concerts.
Joelle was sexually abused between the ages of 15 and 17 by her high school choir director at Mater Dei Catholic High School in Santa Ana, California. After years of advocacy and her civil lawsuit which was a part of the 2005 Orange County Diocese settlement, Joelle was able to publicly expose her abuser. She also gained access to more than 200 pages of documents that included the abuser's signed confession and letters between school and diocese officials that proved that school and church leaders knew about her abuse and did nothing to stop it - or to protect her and her abuser's other victims.
Joelle became active in SNAP in 2002 and has been a spokesperson and leader in events in California and across the country. She has appeared in more than 500 print, TV, internet and radio interviews and is a sought-after spokesperson for the cause of survivors. She is passionate about seeking justice for victims and appreciates the opportunity to be a voice for so many who were hurt and silenced as children.
She is married to Mike, the world's most patient man, and is the mother of a young son who likes monster trucks and tools.
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