Our Staff

Brian D. Austin

Director/Founder

Gisele Castro

Director of Programming

Gisele Castro, a graduate of John Jay College of Criminal Justice with a Masters in Public Administration from Pace University, has over ten years of experience directing program and development for various non-profit organizations. She has dedicated her career to working with at-risk youth; specifically working for the Center for Alternative Employment Sentencing (CASES), an alternative to incarceration program for youth delinquents based in New York City. She was the Director for the Family Court Division, and part of the leading executive team created to redesign the program from a case management model to a team-based model.

Jim Andralis.

Animation Group Co-Leader/Art Therapist & Counselor

In addition to his work with The Animation Project, Jim Andralis (MPS, LCAT) works with clients at Kaplan House, The Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy and in his private practice. He's currently completing the second year of ICP's Trauma Studies Certification Program and is trained in Levels 1 and 2 of EMDR. Jim also performs as a musician and singer in venues throughout NYC.

Tim Fielder

Animation Group Co-Leader/Instructor

Tim Fielder is a NYC based Animation Director, Storyteller and character designer. Present projects include an animated feature film titled "Harbinger" Clients Include Ubisoft Entertainment, Marvel Comics, Urb Alt, Tristar Pictures, New York University, School of Visual Arts.