Kai Martinez

Kai Medina-Martinez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in social justice informed social work. Their field practice experience includes therapeutic foster care, migrant head start, sexual assault survivor services, alcohol and drug treatment, and the private practice sector. While Kai has experience working with diverse individuals, families and community groups extensive, much of their career has been dedicated to working with people whose sexuality and gender challenge the cisgender heteronormative binary system.

Prior to joining CSUMB Social Work Department, Kai served as the inaugural director of the LGBT Resource Center at the University of Utah. During their tenure, they diligently worked to ensure that all genders and sexualities were reflected in campus-wide policies and practices. While Kai's contribution on campus was expansive, they were involved with the Academic Senate Diversity Committee, Campus Information System, Office of Affirmative Action, Health Equity and Inclusion, Student Affairs Diversity Council, the Office of Equity for Diversity, and the College of Social Work Diversity Committee.

Kai also has a background reviewing grants for SAMHSA and they provide mental health services to incarcerated individuals covered by state Ryan White HIV/AIDS program. In addition, Kai has taught graduate social work courses in advanced supervision/administration/leadership and reflexive practice. Kai has consulted with and presented to community groups, private and public K-12 schools, higher education, state and federal government entities, and also for documentary film work. Furthermore, Kai’s experience as a social work field instructor includes supervision of social work students at the community college, bachelors and graduate level.

Kai is deeply committed to the field of social work education and is thrilled to join the CSUMB campus community as the field education coordinator in the Department of Social Work. Kai is excited to support social work students in field experiences. They are eager to develop a rapport with local community service providers building relationships across the range of programs and services in the central valley.

Kai self-identifies as a trans* queer person of color and is a first-generation college student. They obtained their Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Social Work degree from the University of Utah. They also completed a certification program in alcohol and drug counseling. Kai has their PhD in Education Leadership and Policy from the University of Utah.