Doctor Martin was born in Spain during her father's deployment there, and came to San Diego when she was one year old. She grew up in San Carlos and graduated from Patrick Henry in 1983. She attended UC Davis and received her BS in Zoology in 1989 and her doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1994. After returning to San Diego, Dr. Martin worked in a five-doctor practice in El Cajon for 11 years (3 years as an associate, 5 years as hospital director, and 3 years as medical director).

​

Doctor Martin realized her dream of owning her own hospital in April of 2006 when she established Cuyamaca Animal Hospital. One year later she opened her luxury boarding facility, Furry Friends Resort. In 2024, she transferred ownership to Dr. Behrman, but still periodically sees ans treats patients at the hospital.