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Martinez was nominated for the award by two of her faculty members — Dr. Stefan Dombrowski, director of ������ý����’s graduate school psychology program, and Dr. Karen Gischlar, professor in the Department of Graduate Education, Leadership and Counseling. Martinez initially applied to ������ý���� because of its nationally ranked, NASP-accredited program and strong Praxis pass rate, but she ultimately chose to attend because of the program’s supportive faculty.

“[Dr. Dombrowski’s and Dr. Gischlar’s] passion and expertise truly stood out and became the deciding factor,” she says. “I’m grateful to be part of a community that prioritizes both professional excellence and personal growth.”

Throughout her studies, she has focused her research on the prevalence of autism in urban areas and various contributing factors. In practice, she intends to use strategies to work with students through a neurodivergent-affirming lens.

“As someone who plans to work in an urban school as a school psychologist, I believe it is crucial to be well-versed in this topic, as it will undoubtedly be relevant in my professional practice,” Martinez says. “Rather than trying to change these individuals or force them to conform to what is considered ‘normal,’ I believe we should focus on understanding their experiences and seeing the world from their perspective.”