Marna Martinez, MA

Marna's Childcare Services (Self Employed), Bronx, New York, April 2023 - Present

Provide in-home childcare services for infants from 8 weeks to 18 months old to families receiving childcare vouchers from the Department of Social Services. Childcare responsibilities include but are not limited to consistent supervision to ensure child safety, feeding and diaper changing, monitoring developmental progress, communicating with parents, implement hygiene practices to ensure a clean and safe environment to promote children's overall well-being; all while adhering to relevant childcare regulations and guidelines. 

Client Care Coordinator New Hope Transitional Housing, LLC February 2022 - March 2023, Bronx, New York • 

Worked closely with homeless families to identify immediate needs for mental health, medical, substance abuse, and crisis intervention services. Counseled, advocated for, facilitated, and ensured clients were successfully linked to community-based mental health services, with follow-ups on treatment progression and compliance. • Collaborated with New York City agencies, clinics, healthcare providers, and other community organizations to connect families with community services. • Conducted behavioral and psychosocial assessments within DHS time frames to identify potential issues such as substance abuse, domestic violence, child abuse or neglect, trauma, and mental health conditions, and made appropriate treatment referrals. • Supervised and ensured children and families received adequate supportive services within the homeless shelter. Assessed and identified families or individuals needing higher levels of service, including repeated domestic violence victims, families with active ACS cases, individuals showing signs of mental illness or substance abuse, and non-compliant or aggressive clients. • Worked with the NYC Department of Education, early intervention programs, ACS, and mental health providers to ensure the care, needs, and safety of children in the shelter were addressed. • Participated in planned Social Services and Children & Youth Services Team meetings to address the immediate needs and progress of adults and children receiving clinical services. •

Clinical Forensic Specialist Safe Horizon – Children's Advocacy Center May 2016 - September 2016

 Bronx, New York • Participated in forensic interviews with multi-disciplinary team members. Conducted comprehensive assessments of children and non-offending family members to evaluate the impact of trauma on the child's functioning and identify the need for additional services. • Debriefed children and family members following forensic interviews. • Delivered client-centered victim advocacy and support services. • Provided trauma-focused interventions and support to children, siblings, and non-offending parents. 

Pre-K Teacher’s assistant August /After School Program Director 2015 – Feb 2016

Beginning Steps After School Program Brooklyn, NY

Provided instructional support and classroom management to the lead teacher.
Assisted lead Teacher to enforce class rules and proper behavior. Managed an after school educational program for children between the ages of 5-12. Taught children literacy skills. Assisted with developing interpersonal skills needed to improve their behavioral and academic performances. Conducted parental meetings.  Evaluated, developed, and managed educational curriculum and procedures for the program. Hired, trained and supervised childcare staff. Monitored environmental factors for health and safety hazards.

Lead Social Caseworker Westchester County Social Services Department March 2008 – February 2010, White Plains, New York • 

Conducted emergency child welfare investigations to ensure child safety. • Performed fieldwork, interviews, and comprehensive case management. • Provided interpretive and information services to clients. • Assessed the type, level, and range of services needed for family members and vulnerable children to mitigate potential risks. • Conducted psychosocial evaluations using various techniques and tools to help families navigate available resources and access entitlement benefits. • Provided services in both English and Spanish to effectively assist Spanish-speaking clients.  Facilitated parenting trainings and supervised parental visitations.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) Argosy University • Atlanta, Georgia • 2015                 

Master of Arts in Social and Organizational Psychology (MA) Columbia University, Teachers College • New York, NY • 2002 

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (BA) College of New Rochelle • New Rochelle, New York • 1997