Colleen Daly Martinez

Dr. Colleen Daly Martinez is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Ramapo College of New Jersey's School of Social Science and Human Services, where she has taught since 2018. A licensed clinical social worker and registered play therapy supervisor, her work bridges clinical practice, education, and organizational change.

• PhD, MSW, and BSW from Rutgers University
• Specializes in school-based wellness interventions and anti-racist organizational frameworks
• Develops play therapy strategies for educational settings

Research Focus: Dr. Martinez examines prevention models in school social work, anti-racism in institutional structures, and the pedagogical dimensions of social work education. Her publications and 50+ professional presentations emphasize practical applications of play therapy for emotional/behavioral challenges in K-12 environments.

Practice Contributions: As a registered play therapy supervisor, she trains educators and clinicians in attachment-informed techniques. Her conference talks span topics from classroom team dynamics to trauma interventions, with particular attention to marginalized youth. She consults on integrating play therapy into school systems and teacher development programs.

Leadership: Serves on SSHS convening groups and contributes to interdisciplinary initiatives in educational equity. Current projects include virtual learning adaptations for play therapy and anti-racist curriculum development.