This is part of an ongoing series introducing the leaders, teachers, and staff who make St. Paul a special place.
Merilenne Martinez teaches first grade at St. Paul Elementary School, where she’s completed a remarkable journey from summer staff to classroom teacher. In her second year of teaching, she brings passion, dedication, and a heart for helping students build both their educational foundation and their relationship with Jesus.
Born in Merced, Merilenne moved with her family to a small mountain town in 2008. She attended Tioga High School in Groveland, a school about the size of St. Paul. The third of six children — four girls and two boys — Merilenne has a nephew she absolutely adores and loves to spoil.
Her parents are some of the hardest-working people she’s ever known. “They’ve shown us the value of a strong work ethic and the importance of building a firm foundation in God,” she reflects.
Merilenne graduated from CSU Stanislaus in May 2024 with a BA in Liberal Studies and a concentration in Bilingual Cross-Cultural Spanish. This past May, she completed the Multiple Subject Credential Program at CSU Stanislaus and is now in the process of clearing her credential with the state.
“I feel incredibly blessed to not only teach students the foundations of their education but also to help guide them toward Jesus. Being able to do both is a gift I cherish every single day.”
— Merilenne Martinez, first grade
Her journey to St. Paul began several years ago when a friend who had attended St. Paul Church told her about the school. Knowing Merilenne was pursuing a teaching career, the friend mentioned St. Paul was looking for summer staff. Merilenne started working part-time during summer school, then was offered a part-time position doing morning care and aftercare while also working at Farmdale Elementary.
When the opportunity came, Merilenne was offered a full-time position as a classroom aide. She spent a year in first grade, then split her time between kindergarten and first grade, followed by three years as kindergarten aide with Mrs. Bogle. When a classroom teacher position opened, she knew in her heart this was what she wanted. “I believe God opened that door for me.”
“It truly feels like I’ve come full circle at St. Paul,” she says. “I started as summer staff, gradually learned almost every role, and worked my way up to becoming a classroom teacher.”
In her first grade classroom, Merilenne has found her calling. “I have absolutely loved everything about it! One of my favorite moments is seeing the kids’ faces light up when something finally clicks. It’s such a joy to witness their love for Jesus grow and to watch their confidence bloom throughout the year.”
She wants families to understand the privilege she feels in her role. “It is truly an honor to be part of this school. I feel incredibly blessed to not only teach students the foundations of their education but also to help guide them toward Jesus. Being able to do both is a gift I cherish every single day.”
Merilenne’s favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 41:10-13, which speaks about not being afraid because God is always with you, holding on to you no matter what comes your way. “It’s a verse I have held and continue to hold close to my heart through every season of life. It has helped me get through some tough times. It’s also the verse I instantly memorized when I made the decision to follow Christ and give my life to Him.”
When asked about St. Paul’s greatest strengths, Merilenne speaks from personal experience.
“The community here has been such a blessing in my life. I’ve personally experienced the love and support of both the school and the church, especially during a difficult time when my sister Marisol was hospitalized in 2022. Everyone at St. Paul came together to encourage us, lift us up in prayer, and surround our family with genuine care and compassion. That outpouring of love is something I will never forget. It deeply touched my heart and reminded me of the beauty of this faith-filled community.””
Outside of school and church, Merilenne loves spending time with her family. She’s curious about how things work and admires her uncle who “seems to know everything about everything and when he doesn’t, he figures it out. I want to be like that!” She enjoys DIY projects, building things, working with plants, sewing, decorating, making spaces beautiful, and organizing.
A fun fact: In 2016, Merilenne entered and won a nationwide contest for two free VIP tickets to watch the Raiders play against the Panthers. The prize included a free hotel stay, dinner with Khalil Mack’s family, VIP seating, and a meet-and-greet with Khalil Mack and the team. “It was by far a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget. I took my brother Nathan with me, and he was over the moon.”
Her favorite St. Paul memory is last year’s Jog-a-thon. “The kids absolutely LOVED it! The smiles on their faces were priceless. We had such an amazing group of parents and staff help make Jog-a-thon the best it has ever been. I hope it is a day that all students look back and remember all the fun we had! Also, Leo the Lion made his very first appearance!”
