Kari M. Martin is a licensed School Social Worker and educator who has spent more than two decades working with children, families, and school communities across Connecticut. Her work has always centered around helping students feel supported and giving them the tools they need to be successful both in and outside of the classroom.

Kari earned her Master of Social Work from Southern Connecticut State University and her Master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Bridgeport. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Central Connecticut State University and is a member of the Phi Alpha Honor Society.

Since 2008, Kari has served as a School Social Worker with the New Haven Board of Education. In this role, she works with students from Pre-K through Grade 12 and supports them through a wide range of academic, social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. She provides counseling and crisis support while also working with students, families, and school staff to better understand what each student needs to succeed.

Kari believes that supporting a student often means looking beyond what is happening in the classroom. She works closely with families and educators to understand the whole child and find solutions that are both practical and meaningful. Her work includes social work evaluations, behavioral assessments, counseling, behavior planning, and supporting the development of IEP goals.

Over the years, Kari has also taken on leadership roles within her school district. She served as a school-based and district PBIS coach for ten years and has been part of multidisciplinary teams focused on supporting students and improving school environments. She currently serves as a Curriculum Facilitator and Social Emotional Learning Ambassador, where she helps educators bring culturally responsive social-emotional learning into their classrooms.

Mentorship is another important part of Kari’s work. For more than thirteen years, she has supervised social work interns at both the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels. She enjoys helping future social workers grow in their skills and gain a deeper understanding of what it means to support students, families, and communities.

Kari is proud of her Puerto Rican and Polish heritage, which has played an important role in shaping who she is and how she connects with others. She believes in the importance of understanding each person's background and meeting them with respect, compassion, and an open mind.

Outside of her professional life, Kari enjoys spending time with her teenage daughter and making the most of life together. She currently resides in Fairfield County and remains passionate about education, social work, and making a difference in the lives of the students and families she serves.