Martin obtained a degree in biology from the University of California at Davis. Soon after graduation, she joined the Peace Corps where she served two years as a wildlife biologist in West Africa. After returning to the United States, she worked for a K-8 science publisher for four years before going on her own. She has been developing K-8 science materials-including textbooks, hands-on science, and workbooks-on a freelance basis for more than 10 years.