Staff

Juan Castro

Director of Business Development

Juan Castro has been with Haydenfilms, LLC since November 2006. Juan Castro was named Director of Business Development for the Haydenfilms Institute. In his new leadership position, he has developed a plan to improve upon and showcase HFI’s existing relationships, as well as develop new international strategic partnerships. Through targeting niche markets and attracting sponsors from the corporate and university sectors, Juan has provided a platform for the development of innovative and revolutionizing projects.

The preservation of our sponsorships and endorsements will allow the Haydenfilms Institute to continuously execute the institute’s mission of empowering, educating, and funding student and independent film makers across the globe.

Before joining the Haydenfilms Institute, Juan worked as a Clinical Supervisor and a Program Coordinator at a pediatric clinic in Los Angeles, CA. He was responsible for structuring and managing various programs that serviced families and children with special needs. In addition, he assisted the agency with developing new relationships with numerous funding sources across the Los Angeles County.

Juan graduated summa cum laude from Kutztown University in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, with a major in psychology. In January 2009, Juan graduated with the highest distinctions from National University, where he earned a master’s in Education with a specialization in Applied Behavioral Analysis.

Jessica Novak

Creative Writing Program Director

When Jessica and Hayden were first introduced thanks to a mutual friend in the summer of 2007, neither realized just how much would come of the serendipitous meeting. At the time, Jessica was studying Communications and Music Industry with a focus in Public Relations at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va. She chose Haydenfilms as the subject company for a semester-long PR project and took such a liking to the organization, that she’s remained a part of the team ever since as both a freelance public relations writer and intern advisor.

Jessica went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Arts Journalism with a focus in popular music from the Newhouse School at Syracuse University in 2010. She has written for a variety of publications including Beyond Race Magazine, CNY Woman Magazine and The Syracuse New Times to name a few and has interviewed musicians spanning Gregg Allman to Ron Carter to Bryan Adams to Mike Gordon (of Phish). She also made her way onto the airwaves as midday DJ on the classic rock station 105.9FM, The Rebel, in Syracuse, NY.