Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Rev. Martina E. Efodzi is a Board-Certified Art Therapist, Licensed Clinical Professional Art Therapist, and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland and Washington, DC. She earned a B.A in political science and a M.Div. in religious studies from Howard University in 2002 and 2007 respectively, before receiving a M.A. in art therapy from George Washington University in 2011.
As an ordained Deacon in the Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church, she serves in an appointment beyond the local church as a psychotherapist in private practice and an adjunct professor of art therapy at George Washington University. For over a decade, prior to that, she served at a community health center where she specialized in providing culturally sensitive care to marginalized groups, specifically those living with HIV/AIDS and members of the LGBTQ+ community. In addition to her clinical work, Rev. Martina has facilitated a countless number of healing arts workshops with a variety of schools, government agencies, community and faith-based organizations and churches for individuals of all ages and abilities, along the East Coast. As the Soul Care Navigator for Emmanuel, she uses her background and expertise in the field of mental health to connect members of the congregation to care by helping them navigate the complex maze of mental health and wellness resources that are available in the community.