Our promotional spotlight employee for July 2025 is Martha Saavedra, Clinical Manager – Intensive Services.
We are proud to shine our Spotlight on Martha Saavedra. Martha’s journey is a powerful testament to growth, purpose, and dedication. Originally from Texas, Martha’s career began in child protective services, where she witnessed the urgent need for healing and compassionate care in underserved communities. Motivated to be part of the solution, she found her way to Penny Lane, where her passion for helping children and families took root and flourished.
Martha’s rise within PLC reflects her unwavering commitment and the support of a team that recognized her leadership potential early on. From starting as a Child Family Specialist to launching the COTT program and now leading as a Clinical Manager, Martha has embraced every opportunity to learn, lead, and uplift others. With deep gratitude for her mentors and peers, and a heartfelt dedication to the mission of Penny Lane, Martha exemplifies the kind of heart-centered leadership that transforms lives—not just for clients, but for everyone who has the privilege of working with her.
Before joining Penny Lane, I worked for the State of Texas with the Department of Child Protective Services (DCFS), investigating child abuse reports. During that time, I witnessed firsthand the many children in need of unconditional positive regard and compassionate support. This experience inspired me to transition to a role where I could be on the healing side—helping children and families recover, reunify, and build stronger, healthier relationships.
Joining Penny Lane was a natural next step because it is a place that not only fosters hope but actively empowers children and families to realize their dreams for a better future. At Penny Lane, I am honored to contribute to a mission focused on healing, reunification, and strengthening families through compassionate care and support, helping to create lasting, positive changes in the lives of those we serve.
My favorite aspect of working at Penny Lane is the way we empower individuals, instill hope, and help transform lives. I truly appreciate how our many programs are designed to treat the whole person—addressing mental health, social needs, and personal growth—which allows us to support lasting healing and meaningful change.
My journey at Penny Lane has been both rewarding and inspiring. I started in Intensive Services as a Child Family Specialist, where I gained invaluable frontline experience working closely with children and families in crisis. From there, I progressed to a Facilitator role, expanding my skills in group work and client engagement. Later, I became a therapist, deepening my clinical expertise and therapeutic impact. Most recently, I had the incredible opportunity to spearhead a new program, COTT, which allowed me to lead innovative efforts in serving our community’s needs. This experience further developed my leadership and program development skills. I am now honored to serve as a Clinical Manager, grateful for the trust Penny Lane has placed in me and for the chance to continue growing professionally while supporting the amazing team and clients we serve.
PLC has been an essential part of my professional growth and success. From my early days as a Child Family Specialist to my current role as Clinical Manager, the team’s collaborative spirit, mentorship, and encouragement have helped me navigate challenges and expand my skills. Their commitment to shared learning and supportive feedback created a nurturing environment where I felt empowered to take on new responsibilities and innovate, such as leading the COTT program. The PLC team’s dedication to compassionate care and teamwork continues to inspire me every day.
PLC has played a significant role in my professional growth by offering invaluable support through a variety of programs. These include Loan Forgiveness opportunities, education reimbursement, and participation in the HRSA Federal program that helped me have my loans forgiven. Currently, I am also benefiting from the license reimbursement program. These resources have eased financial burdens and allowed me to focus on advancing my skills and providing the best care possible to the clients we serve.
One of the most difficult aspects of my role is balancing the emotional demands of working with vulnerable children and families while managing administrative and supervisory responsibilities. However, this difficulty also fuels my commitment to provide the best care and leadership possible, knowing that the impact we make truly transforms lives.
People would be surprised to know that I am originally from Texas—I love the country and everything western and dream of living on a farm or ranch someday.
Becoming a young parent profoundly shaped both who I am as a person and as a professional in this field. Navigating the challenges of early parenthood taught me resilience, patience, and empathy. It gave me firsthand insight into the struggles families face—balancing responsibilities, managing stress, and seeking support.
The best piece of advice I ever received is to listen deeply before trying to fix anything. Whether in therapy, leadership, or life, truly hearing someone’s story and feelings without judgment or rushing to solutions creates trust and opens the door to meaningful change. It reminds me that sometimes the most powerful thing we can offer is presence and understanding.
What I appreciate most about Penny Lane Centers is the genuine care and support woven into every aspect of the organization. Our supervisors lead and coach from the heart, always prioritizing both staff growth and client well-being. The supportive environment encourages open communication, professional development, and collaboration, making it a place where everyone feels valued and empowered. This culture of compassion and leadership inspires me daily to give my best and make a meaningful difference in the lives of the families we serve.
I am truly grateful for my supervisor, Daisy De Jesus, who has been an exceptional mentor and leader throughout my journey. I also deeply appreciate my colleagues, Sue, Elena, Felicia, Kendra, and Marvin, who are incredibly supportive and the best team players. Additionally, I feel fortunate to work alongside the amazing staff at Penny Lane Centers, with whom I have had the opportunity to build meaningful and collaborative relationships. Jen Speed, thanks for taking a chance on me 15 years ago!
Congratulations Martha!
