Martez Adams
St Louis,MO
Summary
Compassionate and performance driven counseling professional with experience managing programs and delivering high quality client care. Proven ability to support diverse populations and achieve measurable outcomes through strategic planning, resource coordination, and evidence based practices. Skilled in fostering collaborative team environments, engaging stakeholders, and managing complex caseloads. Recognized for strong leadership, adaptability, and a solution focused, client centered approach.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Program Director
Gateway Region YMCA
St Louis, MO
11.2025 - Current
- Directed program initiatives aligning with community needs and organizational goals.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.
- Developed strategic partnerships to expand outreach and program impact within the community.
- Implemented staff development programs, fostering professional growth and enhancing team performance.
Program Internship
PACT (Partnership for Antiracist Counseling Training)
01.2024 - 12.2025
- As an UMSL Counseling Program Student PACT-Interns provide Trauma-Informed, Antiracist Social-Emotional Learning to address the mental health needs of Riverview Gardens School District (RGSD) students in K-12 schools.
Youth and Family Director
Gateway Region YMCA
02.2021 - 11.2025
- Currently directs and organizes summer day camp program and activities. Ensures high quality programming while also implementing program enhancements. Responsible for ensuring all components of the day camp program are implemented and followed by day camp staff team. Ensures that YMCA programs standards are maintained and that safety procedures are followed. Currently recruits, hires, trains, develops, schedules and directs youth and family staff as needed. Reviews and evaluates staff performance. Develops strategies to motivate staff and achieve goals. Responsible for ensuring all components of day camp, child watch, esports and other youth & teen programming are implemented and followed by staff team. Manages and operates programs within budget for various program departments for branch in collaboration with the branch executive.
Child Care Registrar
Gateway Region YMCA
10.2020 - 02.2021
- Served as child care registrar for Summer Camp, Early Childhood Education and Y Club Programs for both branches. Ensured accurate files and records were properly organized and readily available for program directors and frontline staff when needed.
Youth and Family Program Manager
Gateway Region YMCA
03.2020 - 10.2020
- Directed and assisted in day camp programs while also managing all summer camp registrar duties including maintaining accurate and up to date records and files. Served as alternate supervisor for child watch staff and summer camp staffs. Organized and supervised programs such as Youth and Government, Teen Leaders Club, Kids Night Out and Youth Group. Ensured that Teen Leaders and Kid Night Out programs operated within provided budget. Developed and maintained great relationships with program participant’s families and other community members. Provided positive and clear communication to staff and program participants.
Teen Coordinator
Gateway Region YMCA
11.2018 - 02.2020
- Organized and oversaw teen program activities and events for branch in Youth and Family department. Conducted weekly Leaders Clubs meetings and other teen activities and events. Assured all safety procedures were followed according to YMCA policies and procedures. Maintained accurate and complete records for teen program participants and volunteers.
Education
Master of Education - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of Missouri - St.Louis
01.2025
Master of Arts - Psychology
University of Missouri - St. Louis
05.2017
Skills
- Organizational leadership
- Customer service experience
- Relationship building
- Strategic planning
- Community engagement
- Innovation and creativity
- Budgeting and financial management
Affiliations
- Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology 2023
- UMSL African American Alumni Chapter
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor
- ASHI CPR & First Aid Instructor
- YMCA Leader Certification
- Vision Planning for YMCA Child Watch, 2020
- Child Abuse Prevention Peer Review
- Summer Day Camp Committee Chair, 2022
- International Belize Service Trip, 2022
- Co-Lead of Multicultural Employee Resource Group
- 2025 US South Africa Coalition
Timeline
Senior Program Director
Gateway Region YMCA
11.2025 - Current
Program Internship
PACT (Partnership for Antiracist Counseling Training)
01.2024 - 12.2025
Youth and Family Director
Gateway Region YMCA
02.2021 - 11.2025
Child Care Registrar
Gateway Region YMCA
10.2020 - 02.2021
Youth and Family Program Manager
Gateway Region YMCA
03.2020 - 10.2020
Teen Coordinator
Gateway Region YMCA
11.2018 - 02.2020
Master of Arts - Psychology
University of Missouri - St. Louis
Master of Education - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of Missouri - St.Louis