Kelsey Castanho - San Diego, CA

Kelsey Castanho is an associate attorney within the Law Office of Meagan Nunez and joined the firm as an attorney in 2024. As someone who grew up with an IEP herself, Kelsey knows firsthand that if students are provided with the proper support, they can succeed and thrive. After watching her parents work hard for her to receive appropriate support over the years, Kelsey gives back every day by continuing that work for her clients.

Before Kelsey was a licensed attorney, she interned as a legal clerk, working with the office on due process complaints, mediations, hearings, and federal appeals. Prior to joining the firm, Kelsey honed her legal skills in the area of special education through internships with San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program’s Education Law Program and the University of San Diego’s Education and Disability Legal Clinic. Additionally, she contributed to the community by volunteering with the Legal Aid Society of San Diego, where she participated in the Conservatorship Clinic and the Peer Mediation program.

Kelsey completed her undergraduate degree at the Soka University of America, where she earned dean’s list honors and graduated magna cum laude with a concentration in social and behavioral sciences. Thereafter, she continued a pursuit of education at the University of San Diego School of Law. During her time in law school, Kelsey served as the President of Advocates for Children and Education and the Co-Chair of Representatives for Youth in Academic Affairs, two student organizations dedicated to advocating for students with disabilities.

With a hunger for learning and a strong dedication to Students, Kelsey is always looking to expand her knowledge of various students’ needs and the changing landscape of the law and educational policy.

Born and raised in San Diego, when she’s off the clock, you can probably find her on a hike, at the beach, swimming at the local pool, or cheering on the San Diego Wave F.C..