Hello, my name is Sydney Martinez and I am a Master’s Level Graduate intern who is passionate about
supporting individuals across diverse developmental and emotional needs. My academic journey has been
foundational to my professional identity, beginning with rigorous undergraduate studies in psychology
and culminating in advanced graduate-level training at Walden University.
Before transitioning into the counseling field, I have gained meaningful experience working in
clinical-psychiatric settings, where I supported patients experiencing a range of mental health concerns
including mood disorders, trauma-related symptoms, and acute psychiatric crises. These early
professional experiences strengthened my ability to collaborate within interdisciplinary teams, maintain
composure in crisis situations, and build rapport with individuals navigating complex emotional or
behavioral challenges.
Currently, I am serving secondary special education students diagnosed with emotional disturbances,
autism spectrum disorder, and other developmental differences. In this role, I provide both behavioral and
social-emotional support, helping adolescents develop self-advocacy, emotional regulation,
communication skills, and adaptive functioning. My experience bridging the mental-health and
educational systems enables me to approach counseling with a holistic, strengths-based perspective that
considers the whole person within their environment.
My goal is to hold a safe-space for and empower my clients through collaborative, person-centered care.
As an intern, my site supervisor is Ana Valenzuela, LPC-S, NCC, LCDC, CTRP-C, and I expect to
graduate with a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in Fall 2026.