Sheyla G. Martinez-Rivera
(787) 410-3852
smart087@odu.edu
533 Front Street, Norfolk VA 23510
Education
AUG 2023 –
PRESENT
Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA
PhD Health and Sport Pedagogy, Doctoral Scholar
AUG 2015 –
JUL 2016
The College at Brockport State University of New York, Brockport, NY
Master of Science in Education
Synthesis: The Effect of Dog Therapy on the Social Interaction of Children with ASD in the PE Setting
AUG 2008 –
MAY 2014
University of Puerto Rico, Bayamon, PR
Bachelor of Arts
Special and Elementary Physical Education
Book Chapter
Grenier, M., & Lieberman, L., (2018). Physical Education for Children with Moderate to Severe Disabilities. Chapter: Lifetime and health-Related Activities: Swimming through the Ocean by Sheyla G. Martinez-Rivera. Human Kinetics, (145-147).
Professional Experience
MAR 2022 -
JUL 2023
Adapted Physical Education Specialist – Inclusive Ed Itinerant
Denver Public Schools (DPS), Denver Colorado
Provided direct services to students who are eligible and in need of Adapted Physical Education, consultation with educational staff and physical education teachers, special education teachers and paraprofessionals, physical education instruction for individuals with disabilities, create IEP’s and monitor progress.
AUG 2022 -
JUL 2023
Adapted Physical Education – Regional Team Specialist
Denver Public Schools (DPS), Denver Colorado
Developed and maintained online resources for physical education teachers, professional development presentations, provided adapted equipment, and collaborated with physical education teachers across the district.
JAN 2019 -
FEB 2022
Physical Education Teacher PK-5th
Rocky Mountain Prep Southwest, Denver Colorado
Taught students vital strategies for achieving and maintaining good body health, encouraged students to participate in recreational activities to further enhance fitness levels, and designed lesson plans and events for all abilities.
AUG 2016 -
JUN 2018
Associate Professor
University of Puerto Rico, Bayamon PR
Department of Adapted Physical Education. Developed syllabus, prepared and presented class lectures, administered two exams, graded papers, and assigned final grades. Course taught; Adapted Physical Education Laboratories, Games, Rhythm and Gymnastics, First Aid, Recreational Therapy, Elementary Basketball, Heath, Training and Coaching in Basketball and Intellectual Disabilities.
Conference Presentation
Inclusive Spike Ball (10/2019)
Martínez – Rivera, S. (Presenter & Author), Rivera – Sanchez, L. (Presenter & Author) “Inclusive Spikeball” Annual Convention of th
Association of Physical Education and Recreation of Puerto Rico, Guayanilla, PR.
Promoting Physical Activity and Health in Individuals with Rett Syndrome (10/2018)
Martínez – Rivera, S. (Presenter & Author), “Promoting Physical Activity and Health in Individuals with Rett Syndrome” Annual
Convention of the Association of Physical Education and Recreation of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, PR.
Wheelchair Sports for All (03/2018)
Martínez – Rivera, S. (Presenter & Author), Avilés, H. (Presenter & Author), “Wheelchair Sports for All” Annual Convention of the
Association of Physical Education and Recreation of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, PR.
Pretend Play Scuba Basics and Surf an Inclusive Approach (10/2016) Martínez – Rivera, S. (Presenter & Author), Aviles, H. (Presenter &
Author), Rivera, L. (Presenter & Author), “Pretend Play Scuba Basics and Surf an Inclusive Approach”, Annual Convention of the Association of Physical Education and Recreation of Puerto Rico, Yauco, PR.
Strategies when Teaching English Language Learners from Hispanic Backgrounds in PE (03/2016)
Samalot – Rivera, A. (Presenter & Author), Martínez – Rivera, S. (Presenter & Author), Central Western Zone, “Strategies when
Teaching English Language Learners from Hispanic Backgrounds in Physical Education", NYS AHPERD, Brockport NY.
Academic and Volunteer Service
2015 - 2016
Junior Eagles Extension Program (JEEP)
Volunteer – Assisted kids with autism spectrum disorder through gymnastics activities
2015 - 2016
Swim and Gym Program for Individuals with Disabilities
Volunteer – Supervised and advised undergraduate students.
2015 - 2016
Personal Trainer of a Paralympic Athlete with Multiple Sclerosis
Volunteer – Designed workout routines.
2016
Powerlifting Program for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
Volunteer – Supervised Special Olympics athletes.
2015 - 2016
Personal Trainer of a Paralympic Athlete with Multiple Sclerosis
Volunteer – Designed workout routines.
2016
Powerlifting Program for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
Volunteer – Supervised Special Olympics athletes.