Dr. Noel Casiano is an accomplished academic leader, clinician, author, and speaker with more than 29 years of experience in child protection, behavioral health, and education. Born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Dr. Casiano currently serves as the Associate Dean of Student Academic Services and Associate Professor of Psychology and Human Services at the University of Hartford, where he made history as the first Puerto Rican and Latino to serve as Associate Dean in Hillyer College. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and elevating pathways to success for underrepresented students. Dr. Casiano holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Criminal Justice and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Central Connecticut State University. He earned his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from California Southern University. He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of Connecticut and maintains professional memberships as an Approved Supervisor and Clinical Member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), as well as a Clinical Member of the American Psychological Association (APA).

His career includes significant roles in both public service and clinical care, having worked as a social worker and supervisor for the Connecticut Department of Children and Families, and later as a clinician and clinical director of outpatient behavioral health services for organizations such as Wheeler Clinic, Klingberg Family Center, and the Institute for Hispanic Families in Hartford, Connecticut. His impact also extends into the literary and academic spheres. Dr. Casiano has authored six powerful books—The Fatherhood Crisis, Just a Kid from Park Street, Momentum, Stress Less, Live More, Strength for the Journey, and Rebound: Malik’s Journey of Abandonment—each reflecting his deep understanding of trauma, identity, and healing. He is currently preparing to release his first textbook, Mastering College: Evidence-Based Approaches to Becoming a Successful College Student, a much-needed guide for first-generation students, students of color, and all learners seeking to thrive academically.

As a TEDx speaker, Dr. Casiano gained wide recognition for his moving talk, “What Happened to You,” which explores the profound effects of trauma and the importance of understanding people’s experiences through a compassionate lens. His influence and leadership have been celebrated through numerous honors, including official citations from the Connecticut General Assembly in 2017 for Excellence in Behavioral Health and Addiction Treatment, and in 2021 for Excellence in Education. He was recognized as a Hartford Hero by SINA and the City of Hartford for his impact as a Latino professional and received the Maria Sanchez Excellence in Education Award from the Connecticut Institute for Community Development (CICD). U.S. Senators Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal also honored Dr. Casiano for his leadership in the field of urban trauma. Additionally, he was selected as a Humanities Center Faculty Fellow for his scholarship on intergenerational and urban trauma.

In a deeply personal tribute to his roots and legacy, Dr. Casiano was honored with a public mural at the corner of Lawrence and Park Street in Hartford—an enduring symbol of his influence in the community where his journey began. His work bridges mental health, social justice, education, and community healing, and his steadfast commitment to empowering underserved populations continues to inspire and create lasting change across Connecticut and beyond. Most importantly, Dr. Casiano has been married to the love of his life, Yecenia Casiano, for 28 years. Together, they have a son, Nicholas Casiano.