Martha Poppins

 At Martha Poppins Childcare & Art Academy, our mission is to nurture the body, mind, heart, 

and spirit of every child through conscious, artistic, and heartfelt care. 

We believe that childhood is a sacred stage of life, where creativity and a deep connection to nature become the foundations for lifelong growth. We provide a safe, welcoming, and aesthetically inspiring environment where each child can explore, learn, and express themselves freely. 

Our program integrates naïve art, music, theater, wholesome cooking, photography, mindful movement, and sensory experiences—cultivating not only academic and motor skills, but also self-esteem, empathy, and resilience.

Guided by the principles of holistic education, we understand that true learning flourishes when the mind is curious, the heart is open, the body is active, and the spirit feels at home. At Martha Poppins, every day is an opportunity to plant seeds of creativity, self-love, and respect for the world around us. 

Mayte Teresa is a Venezuelan multidisciplinary artist with over 20 years of experience in theater, education, and creative facilitation. Trained at the National Theater Company and the National Theater Workshop of Venezuela, she has performed in more than 30 productions with renowned companies such as Rajatabla and Xiomara Moreno Productions, and has an extensive background in contemporary dance, art therapy, and family constellations.

As part of the Martha Poppins philosophy and program, Mayte serves as a teacher and guide, bringing her deep artistic background to inspire children through Corporal Kids—guided body expression classes held in various natural settings, including parks and forests. Her sessions integrate dance, creative movement, and sensory exploration to foster confidence, self-expression, and a joyful connection to nature.

Mayte also leads Naïf painting workshops, craft activities, and artistic storytelling, encouraging children to explore color, texture, and imagination while developing emotional awareness and creative skills. With a gentle, child-centered approach, she nurtures curiosity, empathy, and self-confidence, creating meaningful artistic experiences that honor both individuality and community.

Edgar Rey was born in Valencia, Venezuela. He came to the United States with the goal of continuing his musical legacy, learning from new cultures, and leaving a vibrant Latin mark on every student, colleague, and community he engages with. His teaching style blends Caribbean warmth with a deep respect for the roots and traditions of every musical genre.

Edgar’s fascination with sound began early in childhood. He would take apart radios and small instruments, trying to uncover where music came from and what made it so magical. His mother, a passionate music lover, filled their home with international artists like Ray Conniff, Richard Clayderman, Paul Mauriat, and classical composers such as Chopin, Beethoven, and Strauss. He was especially captivated when watching musicians perform on television—particularly when a piano was involved.

At the age of 13, he began formal piano studies with maestro Gabriel Otazo, who became much more than a teacher—a lifelong mentor and family friend. Under his guidance, Edgar studied piano technique, harmony, sight-reading, and musical accompaniment. He also began exploring the world of recording and sound engineering, participating in various music projects as both pianist and sound technician—discovering a second passion. He has collaborated with local and national artists and performed at international events, including the UN Climate Change Conference (COP16) in Cancún, Mexico, which featured renowned figures from politics and entertainment. Edgar has also taught music to students of all ages, some of whom are now pursuing music professionally.

In 2014, he decided to emigrate and start over in the United States, where he has worked as a musician in various events in Miami and Atlanta, and currently serves as music coordinator at a Catholic church in San Francisco, CA. He also teaches music to children both in schools and privately. Edgar is currently collaborating with members of the local community on educational projects that combine music classes with other forms of art, such as painting, photography, cooking, and even nature exploration. Through these efforts, he seeks to show how music can engage all the senses, spark creativity, and build personal discipline.

Edgar is currently pursuing certifications in music and computer technology at City College of San Francisco, aiming to combine artistic and technical skills to expand into the field of sound engineering. He is also training in pipe organ performance—a majestic instrument that challenges his coordination and musical sensibility, and offers a new artistic dimension in his journey.