ANDREW cASTRO– THROUGH IT ALL

Client Andrew Castro stands with his Specialist, Kristen Lockett

Andrew Castro has been a loyal client of The Perfect Step Facility for three years. He has entrusted the Specialists and staff with his recovery journey, and through activity-based therapy, he has seen major improvements in his everyday life.

Before attending The Perfect Step, Castro was involved in a car crash that left him paralyzed. Following the accident, he began his initial physical therapy under Casa Colina’s inpatient and outpatient care.

“I did a little bit of outpatient at Casa Colina, and then I heard about The Perfect Step from people going to physical therapy there, and they mentioned Hal’s name because he’s pretty well known in the community,” Castro said.

Without knowing exactly what the referral would lead to, Castro decided to take a chance on The Perfect Step and what the training facility could offer. During his client evaluation, he found himself drawn to the energy of the space and the positivity the staff and clients brought in each day. That welcoming atmosphere ultimately convinced him to continue his recovery journey there.

During his sessions, Castro was introduced to a new form of recovery training known as activity-based therapy. At its core, it’s a form of exercise — but for Castro, it became something deeper. This method helped him reconnect with lost muscle function and rejuvenate his mind by using repetition to rebuild muscle memory. “Trying to get that mind-to-muscle connection back into the body through repetition and other things like that,” Castro said.

Through consistent training, he has seen notable improvements in his physical and mental health. His blood pressure has stabilized, and he’s developed stronger social skills. At The Perfect Step, he feels more connected because he’s surrounded by people closer to his age—a change that’s helped him stay engaged and feel like part of a real community.

This connection matters to him, especially because his progress isn’t always easy to see. “It’s like watching grass grow,” Castro said. However, having peers and trainers around to notice and remind him of his progress helps keep him grounded and motivated.

Reflecting on the social dynamic, Castro explained how the age range at The Perfect Step — usually just two to three years older than him — makes a difference. He’s able to relate more to the conversations and experiences there. In contrast, many of the clients at Casa Colina were in their forties and already had families, which made it harder for him to connect on a personal level.

On tougher days, when progress feels slow or discouraging, Castro turns to his faith. His spirituality plays a central role in helping him manage both the physical challenges and the mental ones. “My faith in God helps me get through a lot of tough days. I just try to be thankful for what I have because there are a lot of people who have no one, or no support system at all,” he said.

Another pillar of support in his life is his mother. She’s always there for him, providing comfort, reliability, and that signature motherly push when needed. “She gets on my nerves sometimes,” Castro laughed, “but I wouldn’t have it any other way. She’s my solid foundation.”

He also considers the Perfect Step staff part of his support system. “I like how they're positive, and they love being there at the facility, which is something you can feel,” Castro said. Knowing he can rely on that kind of encouragement makes it easier to face challenges and recognize the progress he’s making.

Being part of a community that celebrates growth has also given him a fresh perspective on his recovery. Witnessing other clients reach milestones has inspired him to set new goals for himself. “I see different quadriplegics getting their license and starting to drive — that’s something that I’m gonna try to do,” he said.

That same inspiration has pushed him to continue his education at the University of La Verne. Castro shared that it was Hal Hargrave Jr., the founder of The Perfect Step, who encouraged him to apply and return to school in person.

“I like how the classes are. The professors know you on a first-name basis, rather than a school like USC or UCLA where there’s like 300 or 400 seats in a class — you’re just like a number at those schools,” Castro said.

He appreciates how invested the staff and faculty are in their students’ success. “It’s not just a daily chore or checklist for them. They build relationships and want to see you do well.”

As Andrew Castro continues his journey at The Perfect Step, his advice to new clients is simple: don’t be afraid to reach out. The staff are kind and always willing to help, and connecting with other clients can make all the difference. You’ll find people who understand what you’re going through — and that kind of support can be comforting.

As Castro continues showing up to his training sessions, to class, to life, his journey is no longer just about recovery. It’s about rediscovering what’s possible, building new connections, and finding strength in places he didn’t expect. And with the support around him, he’s moving forward, one step at a time.

By: Zachary Grech, Student, University of La Verne, Class of 2025

Journalist Intern at The Perfect Step