About the author
Dr. Rosa C. Martinez has a B.S. in Special Education from CCNY, a Master's degree in Adolescent Autism, a Master of Philosophy, and a Doctorate in Behavioral Disorders from Columbia University. She is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, recently retired as Dean of Students at The Brooklyn Occupational Training Center and the NYC Department of Education D.75 schools.
Dr. Martinez is the President and Founder of Strokes of Genius™, Inc. After meeting Ping Lian Yeak in 2006, Dr. Martinez created her vision for Strokes of Genius. She soon became a collaborator with Sarah SH Lee and began promoting Ping Lian Yeak's artworks here in the United States. Dr. Martinez has met and worked with remarkable artists on the autism spectrum organizing art exhibitions throughout the United States and internationally. Mainstream art exhibitions have been held at the United Nations, Carnegie Hall, Cooper Union, Henry Gregg Gallery, Agora Gallery, The Michael Schimmel Arts Center, PACE University, The NYC Port Authority, NYC Department of Education, Barnes & Nobles, Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition, James A. Michener Art Museum, Saratoga Springs City Center Art Expo, and the prestigious Salmagundi Historical Art Club, in addition to exhibits at various hospitals, educational institutions, and organizations. Dr. Martinez curated and introduced the work of renowned artist Donna Williams to the United States in a solo artist exhibition Suspense: Donna Williams - 2013 NYC . Dr. Martinez has taught Education courses at Hunter College, the College of Staten Island, Long Island University, Touro College, and the University of Maryland and teaches literacy and communication skills to behaviorally challenged adolescents with autism and other developmental disabilities. She was instrumental in establishing various ABA programs for young children with PDD and Autism in New York City and has worked with individuals on the autism spectrum ranging from infants to adult populations for more than 40 years.
Publications include: Sh Lee, S. & Martinez, R.C. (2017) I Want To Be Artist: An Autistic Savant's Voice
and a Mother's Dream Transformed onto Canvas
Hosseini, D. & Martinez, R.C. (2011) The Art of Autism: Shattering 7 Myths about
autism through the voices and art of those on the spectrum
Treffert, D. (2011) Islands of Genius: The Bountiful Mind of the Autistic, Acquired and Sudden Savant (Martinez, R.C. - Ch.26 Training the Talent in Art: An Educators Approach )
Greenberg, J. & Martinez, R.C. (2008). Starting Off on the Right Foot: One Year of Behavior Analysis in Practice and Relative Cost
International Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy, Vol.4