I first attended New York City Public Schools and then went on to receive my higher education at City College and The College for Human Service. I was also trained and certified as a Montessori Educator, and possess a Professional Certificate in Human Services. Being a firm believer that education is the key to success, I acquired my Masters Degree in Education from The College of Human Services.

I enjoy working with young people and believe that children must be nurtured, educated and inspired to achieve. Consequently, I have mentored hundreds of youth as an NAACP Youth Advisor with The Hempstead NAACP Youth Council in such areas as self-development, leadership skills, project management, debate performances and local and national government involvement. I have also served on The National NAACP Youth Work Committee. Was also honored to be a panelist on the Radio Station WMCA's Young Book Reviewers.

Being committed to community service, I currently serve on the Board of Loving Hands of Hope as Technical Coordinating Officer and in such other capacities as: Active Member of The Congregational Church of South Hempstead; Vice-President of The Hempstead Chapter of AARP; Correspondence Secretary of 55+; Activity Director of Operation Get-Ahead- Senior Circle; member of Mid-Atlantic Consortium of Human Services Professionals and Women for Women of Sierra Leone-Ethiopian Mission; and Lifetime Member of NAACP. Also served as Chairperson of The Deacon Board; Church Moderator, President of The Women's Fellowship, Chairperson of The United Black Christians and Resource Person for United Church of Christ Metro Women.

I have also received the following awards for outstanding service: The First National NAACP Rosa Parks Award, The Floyd Flake Congressional Award, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award. My purpose in becoming an educator was to inspire children and I credit my parents and teachers influencing me in this career direction. I am known to many as "Mama Martin" and one of my favorite quotes is by Sir Lloyd Tennyson: "Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers."