Ms. Martinez has always wanted to be a teacher. She shared, “I love to learn and I think that most students don’t necessarily hate school, they hate being bored. My goal is to create a learning environment where students are relaxed, respected, and free to just…be.”

Martinez’s path to joining Paschal’s staff is a bit unique. Being native to Fort Worth, she attended TCU for two years before deciding to take a break from school and see what the corporate world had to offer. She remarks, “I quickly realized that you can only go so far without a degree or some kind of skill, so I went back and earned my bachelors at Wesleyan.”

Martinez has now worked for FWISD since 2017. She says that a major reason she came to Paschal is because of Ms. January Shannon, who she claims is “one of the best people I’ve ever met.” The two met in 2015 when Martinez became a RYT-200 yoga instructor — now one of her favorite activities. 

Martinez’s favorite part about being at Paschal is the sense of school spirit and community. She says, “I try to make it to as many after school events as possible!” Students love having an active and supportive teacher inside and outside of the classroom, making Martinez a perfect fit for Paschal. 

Outside of teaching English and yoga, Martinez enjoys spending time with her partner Kamal, their three daughters Harper (13), Marley (12), and Emma (11), and their foster dog Guillermo (2) — AKA Tito the Frito Bandito. Each year, Martinez takes her three daughters on a trip to New York City, which is her favorite city in the world!

Martinez remarks, “Kamal is from Austin (Hook ‘Em Horns!) so we’re there often.” Their family stays busy with travel, volleyball, and fostering dogs for Saving Hope Rescue. 

Paschal is so lucky to have Ms. Martinez join its community! Be sure to give her a warm welcome next time you see her!