Lara Martinez

Bilingual English/Spanish educator with extensive experience working with children in preschool and elementary settings, including Montessori environments. Experienced in classroom support, movement and dance education, child development, creative arts, and trauma-informed approaches to working with children. Previously served as a Teacher Assistant at Marian Baker School and as a Fifth Grade English Teacher at Liberty Christian Academy.

Since then, have developed extensive experience in Montessori education, movement pedagogy, arts education, and international educational programs. Brings a warm, creative, child-centered approach combined with strong classroom awareness, adaptability, and experience working collaboratively with educators and families.

Montessori Movement & Dance Teacher at Montessori Learning Center (2022-01 – Present)

• Teach movement and dance to children within a Montessori learning environment.
• Design age-appropriate movement experiences that support coordination, body awareness, creativity, self-expression, and confidence.
• Adapt activities to different developmental stages, learning styles, and individual needs.
• Collaborate with classroom educators to integrate movement into the children's broader educational experience.

Montessori Classroom Guide — Part-Time at Montessori Learning Center (2022-01 – Present)

• Work as a Montessori classroom guide one day per week within a school under MLC currently transitioning toward and implementing Montessori principles.
• Support the development of a prepared, child-centered learning environment.
• Apply Montessori principles and practices while working alongside educators as the school develops its Montessori approach.
• Observe children's development and support their independence, concentration, social-emotional growth, and engagement.
• Collaborate with the school team as they continue developing their Montessori practices.

Artistic Director at Costa Rican Joy Studio (2022-01 – 2025-12)

• Directed the artistic and educational development of a dance and theatre studio.
• Designed and implemented programs for children and young people across different ages and developmental levels.
• Led instructors and supported the development of curriculum and teaching practices.
• Created a positive, creative, and inclusive learning environment.
• Coordinated performances, productions, and artistic projects.

Artistic Director at Joy Dance/Theatre Studio (2021-01 – 2022-12)

• Directed dance and theatre programming for children and young people.
• Developed and implemented age-appropriate artistic education and performance programs.
• Mentored instructors and supported teaching quality and curriculum development.
• Directed productions and coordinated artistic projects.

Dance Pedagogy Coordinator at YWAM Kona Dance (2018-01 – 2021-12)

• Coordinated dance pedagogy and educational programming within an international training environment.
• Developed and facilitated dance education with an emphasis on holistic child and human development.
• Supported students with different backgrounds, abilities, and learning styles.
• Trained and mentored students and instructors in movement and dance pedagogy.
• Integrated creativity, movement, personal development, and experiential learning.

Outreach Director at YWAM Kona Dance (2018-01 – 2021-12)

• Coordinated outreach programs using dance and movement as tools for education, community engagement, and personal development.
• Organized teams, activities, and educational initiatives in diverse cultural settings.
• Worked collaboratively with international teams and community organizations.
• Facilitated creative and movement-based experiences for children and communities.

Fifth Grade English Teacher at Liberty Christian Academy (2016-01 – 2017-12)

• Taught English to fifth-grade students in a bilingual school environment.
• Planned and delivered age-appropriate lessons and learning activities.
• Managed classroom routines and supported students' academic and social development.
• Communicated and collaborated with colleagues regarding student learning and classroom needs.

Teacher Assistant at Marian Baker School (2015-01 – 2016-06)

• Supported classroom instruction and daily routines in a bilingual school environment.
• Assisted teachers with classroom activities, student supervision, and learning experiences.
• Supported students' academic, social, and emotional development.
• Collaborated with classroom teachers and contributed to a positive and structured learning environment.

Associate Degree in Missions – University of the Nations (UofN) (2013-01 – 2018-12)

Montessori Guide Training – Center for Guided Montessori Studies (CGMS)

Psychoexpressive Therapy Training – Online