Sr. Merlynn Martin was born and raised in Petersburg, Nebraska. She moved to California as a teenager and worked for the telephone company after finishing high school. Subsequently she entered the Order of Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in Los Angeles, receiving her final vows five years later.

She has since taught primary grades and also worked with seniors after receiving certification in Gerontology. She moved to the Bay Area almost 20 years ago. For 5 years, she worked at St. Anthony Foundation in the city's Tenderloin district.

She joined us at Nativity in 2001, where she assumed many of the religious education responsibilities for the Parish. She continues to be involved with youngsters and seniors, preparing the children for first communion and confirmation, and is an active member of our Thursday Group.