Beth Martinka M’22 knows what it’s like to be in a new situation, taking courses and navigating the unknown of higher education.
So as a mental health counselor at Saint Mary’s Winona Campus, she is now able to use her experiences to help students, providing the same high level of support she received as a student in Saint Mary’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program.
Martinka has been familiar with Saint Mary’s for more than 20 years. She worked at Saint Mary’s Press — located on the Winona Campus — in design and publishing. When she began looking at a career change, she didn’t need to look far to find the school she would attend, and the MSW program was a perfect fit.
“Saint Mary’s was a natural first choice for me,” she said. “I was blessed with a child who has bigger needs, and through all of that, I experienced firsthand how important it is to have strong guidance and resources during challenging times. The support my family received had a profound impact on us, and it inspired me to pursue a career where I could support others in meaningful ways. Social work felt like the perfect fit with the opportunity it provides to make a difference in many different settings.”
Martinka admits her experience was unique. She began taking courses and just a few months in, COVID hit. Though her courses were online, she felt a special bond with faculty members and her cohort.
“Like everyone else, I was navigating uncertainty, but what stood out to me was the sense of connection and support within the program,” she said. “I had a great experience with the MSW program at Saint Mary’s. The content was presented in clear and understandable pieces, with opportunities to put what we learned into practice. As a parent of young children, I needed to adjust my academic plan to balance family responsibilities, and the program allowed me to do that. The faculty and support staff were incredibly understanding and committed to helping students find a path that worked for their individual circumstances. They made higher education feel accessible and achievable.”
Martinka said she not only felt prepared to begin her new career, she regularly uses what she learned in her day-to-day work. “I learned so many good practical skills I still use,” she said. “I repeat things my professors have said to me during counseling sessions often. It was about learning more than just the theories and techniques, I was able to understand how and when to apply them. The field placements were especially valuable because they allowed me to use what I was learning in real-world settings. By the time I graduated, I felt confident and well prepared to begin my career.”
In her previous role at Winona Health, before her current position at Saint Mary’s, Martinka worked with a number of interns, and she said she’s always been particularly impressed with Saint Mary’s interns. “The people who are teaching (at Saint Mary’s) understand what people need to know and the concepts they need to grasp.
“I would absolutely recommend Saint Mary’s to prospective students. The coursework is highly relevant, the skills are practical and applicable, and the program provides a strong foundation for success in the profession.”
Martinka has loved her role as a mental health counselor, through which she not only works one-on-one with students, she also oversees group activities and connection opportunities on campus. A large part of her focus is on building community.
“One of the most rewarding parts of my role is getting to know students and learning about what has shaped their experiences,” she said. “Each student comes with unique strengths, perspectives, and goals, and I have the opportunity to help them build on those strengths while connecting them with resources and support when needed. Watching students gain confidence and find their footing is one of the best parts of my work.
“I love being part of a community filled with such kind and supportive people,” she said. “The relationships I build with students are what make this work so meaningful. Whether it’s helping them navigate a challenge, find a resource, or simply feel more connected on campus, I’m grateful to play a small role in their journey. Saint Mary’s has been an important part of my own growth, and it means a lot to now give back to the community that supported me.”
