The Children’s DECL (Division Education and Clinic Leader) team is a group of highly trained instructors who are responsible for running the various Children’s Specialist clinics and certificate programs that the Division offers.
Members of this team have have been selected from the Division Children’s Specialist Trainers; for more information on this process, take a look at the CS Trainer certificate program.
Martina Vala
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? I started teaching as a weekend warrior in high school. I loved skiing, mountains and children and thought it was a great way to give back to the ski world I’d grown up in.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? Life changes brought me back to a ski town and teaching full time in 2010. I was inspired to dive into the educational aspect of PSIA with the goals of becoming a regional educator and examiner for both alpine and children’s disciplines.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Skiing in South America.
What surprised you most about working in this industry? The connections and lifelong friendships I’ve made throughout my 30+ years within in the snowsports community.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? There is always room for improvement. I believe to be a great skier and educator of skiing, I need to be a learner first and foremost myself.
Please list your hidden talent(s): Avid equestrian, thought I don’t think that is a “hidden,” rather known, talent.
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