YAM Facilitator
Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM)
Email: janet.martinez@uttyler.edu
Building: B444
Department: Robert M. Rogers Department of Psychiatry
Additional Department: School of Medicine
Janet Martinez
Janet’s passion lies in understanding and connecting with young people through active listening and compassionate engagement. With a heartfelt commitment to providing children and adolescents with a safe, supportive space to share their stories, Janet believes that feeling seen, valued, and understood is fundamental to their mental health and overall well-being. Her work across diverse settings—including outdoor education, special needs education, youth shelter services, and court advocacy—has reinforced her dedication to empowering youth to overcome silent struggles and develop the self-advocacy skills they need to thrive.
Throughout her career, Janet has consistently built meaningful connections with young people, offering unwavering encouragement and support. Her comprehensive experience includes serving as an outdoor education teacher and camp counselor, a SPED paraprofessional working with children with special needs, a youth worker in a group home for teenage foster girls, and as a CASA advocate representing children in court. These roles have provided her with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by youth and the importance of a supportive presence.
Janet holds certifications in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), Ask About Suicide to Save a Life (AS+K Basic Community Helper), and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). She has earned an Associate of Arts in Social Work and an Associate of Arts in Elementary Education, further equipping her to serve and advocate for youth effectively.
A proud supporter of community service, Janet believes, “I might not be able to change the world, but I can do what I can by serving my community.” Her personal passions include DIY projects, writing poetry, singing, exploring art, going on road trips, and spending quality time with her family. Through her work as a YAM facilitator, Janet strives to empower students to discover their strength, advocate for themselves, and flourish into confident individuals.