Marla Martin
Seattle,Washington
Summary
Exceptional special needs educator with sound understanding of experiential education, outdoor education and leadership development curriculum and programs. Brings over 12 years of outdoor crew management and teaching experience, including camping, gardening, place-making, and special education services. Possesses positive, professional disposition to help summer programs run effectively and on track to achieve organizational goals.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Instructional Assistant
SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS (Gatzert)
11.2019 - Current
- Enhanced student progress by implementing individualized education plans and adapting instructional strategies to meet diverse needs.
- Supported students with behavioral challenges through consistent reinforcement of classroom expectations and positive feedback.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, including speech therapists, occupational therapists, and school psychologists, to ensure holistic support for each student.
- Participated actively in professional development opportunities focused on best practices in special education instruction and support services.
- Contributed to the creation of outdoor sensory-rich environments designed to reduce overstimulation while promoting self-regulation skills among students with sensory processing challenges.
Laborer
GARDENING/ LANDSCAPING/ RESTORATION
10.2017 - 11.2019
- Incorporated native, edible, and sensory-pleasing plants into garden designs.
- Removed invasive species, restored native plants, and applied methods to reduce erosion (mulching, jute netting, straw wattles, etc.).
- Contributed to successful completion of projects by following instructions from supervisors and adapting to changing priorities.
- Improved worksite efficiency by maintaining clean and organized work areas.
Crew Leader
WASHINGTON TRAILS ASSOCIATION (WTA)
05.2016 - 09.2019
- Organized and facilitated volunteer trail maintenance projects in front-country and back-country settings
- Maintained a safe working environment by enforcing strict adherence to safety guidelines and promptly addressing potential hazards.
- Developed a strong sense of teamwork among volunteers through regular communication and team building activities.
- Ensured timely completion of projects by effectively allocating tasks and closely monitoring progress.
- Served as the primary point of contact between volunteers, WTA Field Manager, and land managers relaying important information as necessary.
Trail Crew Member
UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE
05.2015 - 10.2015
- Enhanced trail accessibility by constructing and maintaining bridges, steps, and drainage systems.
- Assisted in the prevention of erosion by constructing rock walls, water bars, and check dams.
- Preserved natural habitats by implementing sustainable trail maintenance practices.
- Cleared fallen trees and debris from trails promptly after storms or other events causing obstructions.
- Implemented native plant restoration efforts along trailsides for improved aesthetics and biodiversity preservation efforts.
- Collaborated effectively with fellow crew members to complete projects in a timely manner.
- Utilized hand tools such as shovels, picks, axes, loppers, and saws for various trail maintenance tasks.
- Supported wildfire management efforts through fuel reduction projects in high-risk areas near trails.
- Performed routine equipment inspections to ensure optimal functionality during operations.
- Adapted quickly to changing weather conditions maintaining productivity despite challenges.
Crew Leader
MONTANA CONSERVATION CORPS (AmeriCorps)
02.2014 - 11.2014
- Trained crew members in skills relevant to trail maintenance and conservation, including interpersonal crew dynamics and wildlife safety.
- Enhanced team productivity by implementing efficient work processes and providing clear guidance for crew members.
- Prepared education material for a bi-weekly lesson in conservation stewardship.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations to identify areas of improvement and provide constructive feedback to crew members.
- Motivated team members by setting high expectations, recognizing achievements, and providing ongoing encouragement throughout challenging projects.
- Assisted in the recruitment process by reviewing applications, conducting interviews, and making hiring recommendations based on skill set compatibility with company needs.
Farm Assistant
BIRCH POINT FARM
05.2013 - 02.2014
- Propagated plants, cultivated land and crops, and harvested produce
- Packed CSA boxes, set up and worked farmer's markets to connect directly to patrons.
- Enhanced farm productivity with the proper use of modern farming equipment and machinery.
Youth Engagement Coordinator
AMERICORPS VISTA
08.2012 - 08.2013
- Organized grassroots place-making projects for students 5th-12th grade
- Managed project timelines for successful completion, ensuring milestones were met and deadlines were adhered to.
- Provided opportunities for physical or outdoor recreation activities
- Collaborated with school administration, students, and organizations to plan and complete projects.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - BA in Psychology, Child Development and Family Studies
University of Missouri
12.2009
Skills
- Group and individual instruction
- Progress Reporting
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention
- Motor Skills Development
- Teaching and instruction
- Lesson Plan Implementation
- Activity management
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Team Collaboration
- Conflict Resolution
- Extensive Plant Knowledge
Volunteer Experience
- BEACON FOOD FOREST, Seattle, Washington, 05/01/16, Present, Participates in and assists volunteers with weekly plant maintenance and monthly work parties., Served on the Board for one year; tasks included grant writing, voting, and implementing new policies., Experience in how food systems and community gardening impact the community positively.
- SEEDS, Traverse City, Michigan, 08/01/12, 01/01/14, Aided in facilitating activities for SEEDS after school program., Mentored students 6th-12th grade., Guided recreation field trips and handled gear rental for students.
- BURR OAK WOODS (Missouri Department of Conservation), Blue Springs, Missouri, 02/01/12, 07/01/12, Instructed children ages 6-12 in Outdoor Skills Camp (canoeing, fishing. wilderness skills, archery, GPS mapping, plant identification)., Educated community members about local wildlife and habitat., Tracked local nesting birds and participated in frog mapping.
References
- LIZ LAMB, Special Education Lead Teacher, Bailey Gatzert Elementary, Seattle, Washington, 425-458-8877, emlamb@seattleschools.org
- JEN GRADISHER, Trails Program Director, Washington Trails Association, Seattle, Washington, 206-491-6770, jen@wta.org
- ELISE EVANS, (Former) Board President, Beacon Food Forest, Seattle, Washington, 206-755-7244, elise@foodforest.ngo
- MICHELLE DENOYER, (Former) Site Coordinator- Kalkaska High School, SEEDS, Kalkaska, Michigan, 231-357-1396, michelledenoyer42@gmail.com
Hobbies and Interests
- Home gardener for over five years.
- Previously owned chickens for four years, including raising chicks.
- Recreation skills and interests include camping, backpacking, hiking, snowshoeing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, biking, beginner climbing.
- Trained in Leave No Trace principles, bear and wildlife safety, wilderness first aid and CPR, and other wilderness emergencies (ie. wildfires).
Certification
Certificate in Horticultural Therapy
Timeline
Special Education Instructional Assistant
SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS (Gatzert)
11.2019 - Current
Laborer
GARDENING/ LANDSCAPING/ RESTORATION
10.2017 - 11.2019
Crew Leader
WASHINGTON TRAILS ASSOCIATION (WTA)
05.2016 - 09.2019
Trail Crew Member
UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE
05.2015 - 10.2015
Crew Leader
MONTANA CONSERVATION CORPS (AmeriCorps)
02.2014 - 11.2014
Farm Assistant
BIRCH POINT FARM
05.2013 - 02.2014
Youth Engagement Coordinator
AMERICORPS VISTA
08.2012 - 08.2013
Bachelor of Arts - BA in Psychology, Child Development and Family Studies
University of Missouri