St.Mark Preschool Director
Michele Martin
Michele Martin
Dear St. Mark friends and families,
I am honored to be the preschool director and am looking forward to meeting all of you. My hope is that together we will gradually create the preschool of our collective dreams together.
A little bit about me… Professionally, I’ve guided children and families in educational settings since 1985. In 1988, I graduated from UCSB, with a BA in Liberal Studies: psychology, English, and communications and a coaching certification for track and field, swimming, and gymnastics. In 1990, I received a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential-Clear, from CSUN. In 2002, I became a certified Lactation Educator, at UCLA. I love learning and have many interests.
Since 1990, I have taught in Santa Barbara, Hope, Goleta, and Carpinteria school districts. I’ve taught art at Santa Barbara Middle School and in several elementary schools. I have worked in traditional and alternative settings. I have been a G.A.T.E. (gifted) teacher, but believe these materials should be for all children, not only those that can score 97% on a test. If we have materials to stimulate and accelerate children’s imaginations, we should give those materials to all children and see who rises to the occasion. I directed Beit Ha Yeladim Preschool at Congregation B’nai Brith from 2004 to 2007. Most recently, I was the Reading Intervention teacher at Vieja Valley Elementary School, for grades K-3rd. I am the owner of Poppins Family Services, a successful after-school business, serving children in grades K-6th, in my home, since 2010. I plan to hire a lead teacher to direct the program in my absence. St. Mark’s Preschool is my priority now.
Fascinated by what advances children's interests and well-being, I observe children like Sherlock Holmes, identifying what will connect them to what they’re learning or what they need. I’ve taught children of all ages preschool to high school and have over 5 years of conflict resolution training. Involving children in social action projects that show them they have a voice and that their actions make meaningful differences in the world is another love of mine.
I have directed or co-directed many sporting events such as the Santa Barbara County Triathlon; Santa Barbara Junior Triathon, an event that raised over $20,000. for local schools; the Kathy Ireland Breast Cancer walk, and instigated fundraisers to increase monies needed to make valuable changes at Beit Ha Yeladim preschool.
I was born in San Francisco. My extended family lived in Petaluma and Santa Rosa since the late 1890’s. I’m the eldest of eight children, “Brady Bunch” style (six girls, two boys). In 1985, my family moved to Santa Barbara. I was married for 27 years and have two sons, Todd age 37, married and living in Santa Barbara and Ryan age 21, attending Hawaii Pacific University. A fun fact is that my mom and I were pregnant at the same time! So...Todd has an auntie that’s 5 ½ months older than him.
I love to be in nature. An annual highlight is to meet up with a group of friends in Kona and swim in the wild with spinner dolphins. Watching humpback whales and their calves is another treat. In my free-time I enjoy paddle-boarding, creating art, writing, and spend time with family and friends.
I am eager and immensely grateful to have the opportunity to serve you. I look forward to your ideas and input.
So happy!
Michele
I am honored to be the preschool director and am looking forward to meeting all of you. My hope is that together we will gradually create the preschool of our collective dreams together.
A little bit about me… Professionally, I’ve guided children and families in educational settings since 1985. In 1988, I graduated from UCSB, with a BA in Liberal Studies: psychology, English, and communications and a coaching certification for track and field, swimming, and gymnastics. In 1990, I received a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential-Clear, from CSUN. In 2002, I became a certified Lactation Educator, at UCLA. I love learning and have many interests.
Since 1990, I have taught in Santa Barbara, Hope, Goleta, and Carpinteria school districts. I’ve taught art at Santa Barbara Middle School and in several elementary schools. I have worked in traditional and alternative settings. I have been a G.A.T.E. (gifted) teacher, but believe these materials should be for all children, not only those that can score 97% on a test. If we have materials to stimulate and accelerate children’s imaginations, we should give those materials to all children and see who rises to the occasion. I directed Beit Ha Yeladim Preschool at Congregation B’nai Brith from 2004 to 2007. Most recently, I was the Reading Intervention teacher at Vieja Valley Elementary School, for grades K-3rd. I am the owner of Poppins Family Services, a successful after-school business, serving children in grades K-6th, in my home, since 2010. I plan to hire a lead teacher to direct the program in my absence. St. Mark’s Preschool is my priority now.
Fascinated by what advances children's interests and well-being, I observe children like Sherlock Holmes, identifying what will connect them to what they’re learning or what they need. I’ve taught children of all ages preschool to high school and have over 5 years of conflict resolution training. Involving children in social action projects that show them they have a voice and that their actions make meaningful differences in the world is another love of mine.
I have directed or co-directed many sporting events such as the Santa Barbara County Triathlon; Santa Barbara Junior Triathon, an event that raised over $20,000. for local schools; the Kathy Ireland Breast Cancer walk, and instigated fundraisers to increase monies needed to make valuable changes at Beit Ha Yeladim preschool.
I was born in San Francisco. My extended family lived in Petaluma and Santa Rosa since the late 1890’s. I’m the eldest of eight children, “Brady Bunch” style (six girls, two boys). In 1985, my family moved to Santa Barbara. I was married for 27 years and have two sons, Todd age 37, married and living in Santa Barbara and Ryan age 21, attending Hawaii Pacific University. A fun fact is that my mom and I were pregnant at the same time! So...Todd has an auntie that’s 5 ½ months older than him.
I love to be in nature. An annual highlight is to meet up with a group of friends in Kona and swim in the wild with spinner dolphins. Watching humpback whales and their calves is another treat. In my free-time I enjoy paddle-boarding, creating art, writing, and spend time with family and friends.
I am eager and immensely grateful to have the opportunity to serve you. I look forward to your ideas and input.
So happy!
Michele