About the Founder
Theresa “Terri” Martinez began her career as an educator in 1994 in New York City. At first, she was a Kindergarten and Special Education Teacher at the Dyckman Valley School (PS 152). There she collaborated with other educators modifying instruction for students affected by various conditions in development disorder and speech delay. At the same school, she continued as a First Grade Bilingual-Monolingual Teacher providing instruction in all subjects while adopting effective teaching practices and targeting minority students in underserved areas.
In 2006, she obtained her Master’s in Education with an additional thirty credits in Special Education from Mercy College in the Bronx. With this degree, she was able to obtain certification in the state of New Jersey, New York, and Florida, specific to the education of children, Birth Through grade Six and Children with handicap and disabilities.
Since 2007, she became an Independent Home Based Provider, specifically an ABA Instructor (under the supervision and guidance of a BCBA -Board Certified Behavior Analyst) for the New York Early Intervention Program, which focuses in toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorders as well as developmental delays. She assisted families in increasing positive behaviors, appropriate play skills, and enhancing communication development by collaborating with speech therapists, occupational and physical therapists. In 2011, Terri provided home-based educational evaluations and collaborated with the family and a multi-disciplinary team to develop goals and outcomes for the child’s IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan).
Terri’s education, experience, drive, and passion, prepared her and led her to embrace in: establishing the first “Look What I Can Do! Learning Center” in 2012. This well-rounded curriculum incorporating the Arts, Music, language instruction, age-appropriate educational materials, and activities engaged children in fun and interesting ways. Children’s unique talents and abilities will be developed, and those with special needs will be guided and encouraged. Indeed, every child and his/her individual needs will be met in preparation for a brighter future. Her love of teaching has committed her to staff members, children, and families by building trusting relationships in order to create a safe, positive, and productive learning environment.