Martha Poppins
Childcare & Art Academy

I was born in Valencia, Venezuela, into a family deeply connected to art, music, and natural wisdom. I grew up surrounded by the scents of spices, classical music, and conversations about healing and creativity.

My father, a gifted pianist, passed on his love for music from a very early age. By four, I was already playing Beethoven melodies. Creativity was part of our daily life — painting, literature, healthy cooking, and body expression shaped my childhood.

At 23, I left Venezuela to explore cultures, landscapes, and diverse philosophies. I became a diplomatic lady, representing Mexico abroad. My final post was in Cuba, where I studied art history, philosophy, yoga, and theater with extraordinary Cuban masters.

Nine years ago, I arrived in San Francisco — a city that embraced me with its diversity, nature, and free spirit. The birth of my children sparked the creation of Martha Poppins Childcare & Art Academy, an intimate, conscious, creative space. Every child is an artist, a philosopher in the making, a sensitive soul who deserves to be guided with respect, inspiration, and beauty.

Born in La Libertad, El Salvador, Glendi grew up surrounded by nature, tradition, and community. She is a proud mother of two children, who are her greatest source of inspiration and strength.

With a special talent for cooking, Glendi has mastered the art of preparing pupusas entirely from scratch — a traditional Salvadoran dish she makes with dedication and love.

In San Francisco, Glendi has gained solid experience in early childhood education. She has completed all required trainings including CPR and First Aid certification, child abuse prevention, child safety, and all mandatory childcare health and safety courses.

Her patience and wisdom gently support children in learning Spanish as a second language, enriching every child with deeper cultural richness and kindness.

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 Workshop of Venezuela, she has performed in more than 30 productions with renowned companies including Rajatabla and Xiomara Moreno Productions.

As part of the Martha Poppins program, Mayte leads Corporal Kids — guided body expression classes in 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 Naif painting workshops, craft activities, and artistic storytelling. With a gentle, child-centered approach, she nurtures curiosity, empathy, and self-confidence.

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

Edgar started formal piano studies at age 13 with maestro Gabriel Otazo — a lifelong mentor and family friend. He has performed at international events including the UN Climate Change Conference (COP16) in Cancun, Mexico.

He currently serves as music coordinator at a Catholic church in San Francisco while also teaching music to children in schools and privately. He is pursuing certifications at City College of San Francisco and training in pipe organ performance.