msmartinez@smcgov.org

Maria Martinez (she/her/ella) is the Behavioral Health and Recovery Services’ (BHRS) Office of Diversity and Equity’s (ODE) Health Education Associate. Prior to joining the ODE team, Maria worked as Health Education Associate for the Total Wellness program, an integrative and holistic program that addressed both the behavioral and physical health needs of our community members with severe mental illness. This program provided coordinated care, promoted wellness, and fostered recovery to improve health outcomes of this marginalized community, all of which Maria has implemented into her current role with ODE. Maria’s passion for equity work stems from seeing disparities impacting her own parents who immigrated to this country from Mexico. Maria’s parents did not receive healthcare in their primary language, essentially prohibiting their access to quality healthcare. As a result, Maria utilizes her role to improve San Mateo Community members’ health and wellbeing by improving access and quality care that prioritizes language, cultural, and ages barrier that impact one’s behavioral health. Maria has supported so many aspects of ODE (The Health Ambassador Program, the Parent Project, Suicide Prevention and May Mental Health Month) and values that through each of these roles, she has been able to connect with so many San Mateo County Community Members. Since Maria’s time at ODE, her outstanding support has resulted in more trainings, Health Ambassador graduates, and Health Ambassadors out in the community helping our team to identify our community members’ needs, what services are lacking, and what aspects of our work that are improving the behavioral health outcomes of our community. Maria’s position as a Health Education Associate has amplified her devotion and interest in learning from our community members’ lived experiences how one’s experiences has impacted their behavioral health outcomes and access to quality care. Maria truly brings a contagious brightness and empathy that is emulated through all of her work within ODE. We are so beyond lucky to have someone as passionate and warmhearted as Maria on our team. Maria, thank you for all that you do!  

Outside of her equity work, Maria loves spending time with her family, specifically her nieces and nephews. Maria also enjoys being in nature and gardening and has just recently expanded her gardening skills to growing succulents. She also loves to take trips to the beach and is always wanting to try new foods and restaurants!