Martha Valencia

Martha is a Bay Area native. She was born and raised in Redwood City where she experienced firsthand the hardships and inequalities that children of color face. As she began to reflect upon her educational experiences as a child, she realized how much they had impacted her life trajectory. This, along with her first job as an after-school program leader at the age of 16, molded her passion for working with children to empower and equip them with the tools to succeed. When a child makes a monumental step towards gaining the confidence to express themselves, they grow a lot, and so do those who work with them. She believes that when we break down barriers and embrace different outlooks, we welcome self-growth.

Martha attended the University of California: Santa Cruz where she earned a Bachelor’s in Language Studies with a concentration in Spanish. She also previously attended Cañada College where she earned 21 credits in Early Childhood Education. With prior experience working as a Child Aide for Star Vista, and more recent experience working with children of special needs, she is excited to be at The Primary School and is looking forward to the challenges that will allow her to grow as an educator.

As a first-generation immigrant, she finds value in the ability to connect with both her Mexican and American cultures. As a bilingual and bicultural Chicana, she is excited to work with children and families in a setting that stresses the importance of parent-involvement.