Theaflor Castro-Javier

Theaflor Castro-Javier was one of the first international nurses to come to a new healthcare facility in Bryan, TX. Her journey to work in the United States started in 2006. Moving and working in different countries including the Philippines, United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom, starting a family, and giving birth to a child put things on hold, but Thea and her family continued working toward their American dream.

“My immigration journey to America was a long one. Finally in 2018, everything fell into place after many hiccups along the way.”

After living and working in Dubai and UK, Thea was not concerned about relocating to a new place, but rather finding a way to make another move smooth and legal. Thea carefully considered ways to be employed in the US, including different staffing agencies, and finally decided to work with WorldWide HealthStaff Solutions, as “they had the biggest advantage over others in the market, offering a direct hire.”

Thea has been working with Encompass Health for more than 3 years. She brings diversity and great international experience to the team.

“I have been working overseas since 1998 and have worked with various nationalities, ranging from fellow Asians to Europeans and Americans. Though our facility is relatively new and there were only 3 other foreigners working with me, there was hardly any problem. My British accent was fun in the beginning, and they found it difficult to understand some terms that I was using! There was always a "I beg your pardon?”

Thea and her family have adjusted well in their new community. Thea’s husband found a job at a local company and her son was accepted into a tri-lingual program at the charter school in town.

Being adept in moving, Thea helped other international nurses to transition and created a Filipino community where all feel welcomed. The hard work and long journey turned out to be a tremendous success for Thea’s family.

“We are blessed beyond measure! The good Lord has been great!”