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    Brenda Martinek, M.S. Education

    Recovery School Education Specialist
    Oregon Department of Education
    Salem, Oregon

    Brenda Martinek has worked in the education field for almost 40 years, serving Oregon and Washington as a special education teacher, K-8 Principal, and Executive Director of Special Education and Student Services. She retired in 2022 as the Chief of Student Support Services from Oregon's largest school district; Portland Public Schools.

    In retirement Brenda works at the Oregon Department of Education, implementing the new House Bill 2767 which focuses on opening nine recovery high schools throughout the state over the next five years. She is passionate about providing specialized services for students, especially in regard to substance use and mental health challenges. She is a proud mom of 4 adult children; one of which tragically died in 2017 due to a Fentanyl overdose. Her career in education and lived experiences has shaped her determination, passion and focus on ensuring recovery schools are available for any student living in Oregon who may benefit from specialized services and supports that lead to graduation and life long recovery.

    Brenda serves on the Board for the Oregon Recovery High School Initiative (ORHSI) and the Oregon Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). She loves spending time with her partner, Jeff, and their children. She is also an avid shoe shopper and is learning how to golf.

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