Who is Heather Martin?

Full Name: Heather Martin

Department and location on campus: Concert Production located in Bibbins Hall 

Job title? Administrative Assistant

What does your job entail? Helping students and faculty members schedule the conservatory spaces for rehearsals and performances. Help coordinate the support services that make for a successful event.

How many years at Oberlin? 15 1/2

Have you always worked in this department? No. I started in the Facilities Operations Office, where one of the responsibilities in that position was “keeper of the Commencement/Reunion Weekend bible.” I had to keep an accurate book of all of the work orders needed for CRW. It was a lot of fun to help coordinate every single event for the campus. 

As a member of the Concert Production Office how many events would you say you are involved with in a given school year? I schedule 400 to 500 performances and thousands of rehearsals each year. 

How do you manage it all? I can only do one thing at a time... But I do it quickly. 

Favorite Oberlin performance/event attended? I particularly enjoy the student recitals. I don't go to many, but I pop in and watch the live streams frequently. 

Do you have any hidden talents? I have a master’s degree in zoology. I really enjoy building terrariums and fish tank setups for my herpetology/fish. I’m amazing at growing rhubarb, but I don’t like to eat it. My family gets to enjoy it. I also bake a mean brownie.

Favorite event space on campus? I think Warner Concert Hall is just beautiful—the organ is gorgeous.

Any recent achievements you would like to tell us about? Does adulting through the pandemic count? Seriously though, it’s been a rough couple of years. We have two young children—4 and 6 years old—whom we homeschooled last year. I am so proud of how my family has held up through the challenges we have faced. None of it has been easy, but we are blessed to have each other. 

Favorite childhood memory? Growing up on a small farm just outside of Oberlin. We grew and processed so much of our own food. We were preppers long before I knew what that was.  

Best vacation ever? Took the kids to see Thomas the Train last summer. We stayed at the Red Caboose Motel in Pennsylvania. Each room was its own standalone caboose—a very unique place to stay. Second favorite was a trip to Costa Rica, where I got to watch baby sea turtles hatching.

Hobbies? Spending time with family, gardening/landscaping/playing in dirt, swimming, traveling, and reading.

Nickname(s)? Mom. Dream Crusher (it’s a joke, but sometimes, I have to tell people that a particular aspect of their event will not be possible. Not my favorite thing to do).

Favorite food? Cold Lorenzo’s pizza and day-old birthday cake—breakfast on the day after my birthday.

Favorite quote or personal philosophy? Para Dios todo es posible. (For God everything is possible)