Bonnie Martinez joined the JFK Jr. Institute in December 2008. As a Bilingual Benefits Advisor she counsels recipients of SSDI and SSI who are interested in starting or returning to work, educating them on Social Security work incentives, and analyzing how work could affect their benefits. Previously Ms. Martinez worked with transitioning individuals with disabilities while interning at VESID. She counseled Juniors and Seniors of the Yonkers Public High Schools in determining whether college, trade school, or direct work placement was most suitable for accomplishing their work goal. As a vocational rehabilitation counselor she worked jointly with her consumers in determining work readiness and the necessary steps for developing an individual plan for employment (IPE). Ms. Martinez acquired her Bachelor's degree from John Jay College in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. She recently received her Master's of Science in Education from the Rehabilitation & School Counseling program from Hunter College at The City University of New York.