KSOE Alumni Spotlight: Frank Martinez ’12, MA ’16 on Becoming an Award-Winning School Counselor

A first-generation college graduate, Frank Martinez ’12 MA ’16, knows firsthand the transformative power of education, mentorship, and support. He’s now bringing that transformation to a new generation, serving as a school counselor at Weston Elementary School within Ripon Unified School District. In May, Martinez was recognized as the 2026 San Joaquin County School Counselor of the Year for his leadership in bilingual student support, emotional learning initiatives, and advocacy for student success.

School counseling was not always Martinez’s plan. When he transferred to Saint Mary’s in 2012 as an undergraduate, he was pursuing a degree in History with an emphasis in Latin American History. He quickly discovered an educational environment that offered an ideal balance of support and rigor. 

“Attending Saint Mary’s reinforced the importance of a student-centered approach that challenges students to grow academically, personally, and professionally while remaining committed to giving back to their communities,” he says.

Faculty mentorship played a significant role in shaping his journey and purpose. Professors Myrna Santiago, E. Elena Songster, Aeleah Soine, and Gretchen Lemke-Santangelo encouraged him to think beyond the horizons he saw for himself in his small hometown of Patterson, California, while helping him develop as a student, critical thinker, and compassionate leader. 

Because of his SMC experience, Martinez ultimately chose to continue his education through the Kalmanovitz School of Education, earning his MA in Counseling with a focus in School Counseling in 2016.

Out in the Field

Throughout his time in the counseling program, Martinez found his field placement experience especially impactful. Saint Mary’s provided diverse placement opportunities throughout the Bay Area, allowing students to gain firsthand experience in school counseling, therapy, school psychology, and student support services. 

“The field placements gave students the opportunity to apply their learning in meaningful real-world settings while developing professional confidence and competence,” he explains.

Unlike some programs in which students independently secure internships with minimal guidance, Saint Mary’s emphasizes relationship-building and collaboration among students, placement coordinators, and site supervisors. “The field placement coordinator genuinely works to ensure students are matched with placements that meet both their professional goals and learning needs,” he says. Now serving as a field placement supervisor himself, Martinez strives to provide graduate students with the same mentorship and encouragement he received during his own training.

“Attending Saint Mary’s reinforced the importance of a student-centered approach that challenges students to grow academically, personally, and professionally while remaining committed to giving back to their communities.”

Building a Career—and Advice for Future Counselors

Completing the MA in School Counseling significantly shaped Martinez’s professional path and strengthened his commitment to understanding a larger context when it comes to education. “My experiences at Saint Mary’s reinforced the importance of serving communities in need while also educating those with privilege about empathy, equity, and social responsibility,” he says.

As a school counselor, he works daily to support students academically, emotionally, and personally while helping them recognize their potential and opportunities for success. “Every student has potential, and my goal is to provide them with the same kindness, empathy, encouragement, and support that I received throughout my own educational journey,” he says.

His work has also deepened his understanding of the inequities that exist within educational systems and strengthened his dedication to reducing barriers for students from diverse backgrounds. More than a decade after beginning his journey at Saint Mary’s, Martinez continues to believe in the power of education, relationships, and service to positively impact students, families, and communities.

For current and future students considering the MA in Counseling program, Martinez encourages embracing growth, discomfort, and lifelong learning throughout the process. “Growth in counseling comes from being willing to learn, reflect, and remain open to feedback,” he explains. “At times, certain assignments may feel uncomfortable or unrealistic in the moment. However, those experiences often mirror real situations counselors encounter in schools and professional settings.”

Martinez believes those experiences ultimately prepared him to step into leadership opportunities with greater confidence and purpose. “When those unexpected moments eventually arise, you realize the program has already prepared you to step up with confidence and succeed,” he says.