Yvi Martin has pastored United Methodist churches in Missouri since 2009 and came to Platte Woods Church in August of 2020 where she promptly fell in love with Kansas City and all the stylish t-shirts and sports paraphernalia it has to offer.

Her other full-time job is raising two rambunctious, strong-willed, delightful boys – Ezekiel (6th grade) and Lazarus “Laz” (3rd grade). If you see them around Platte Woods acting like they own the place, it is because they believe they do. Other parents of young children may thus rest easy about their own kids’ questionable behavior at church.

Yvi graduated from Candler School of Theology at Emory University with a Master of Theological Studies degree (’07) and a Master of Divinity degree (’09). She holds a BA in English and Sociology from Greenville University. She taught as an adjunct instructor for Greenville University (Greenville, IL), The Rock School of Ministry (San Diego, CA) and St. Paul School of Theology, Course of Study (Kansas City, KS). She chaired the Mozambique Initiative for the Missouri Annual Conference for 8 years, and currently serves on the Congregational Development Team to continue to strengthen Methodist congregations in Missouri. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Della Lamb Community Services, a ministry partner of Platte Woods Church.

Yvi loves reading (literary fiction, mostly), hiking, jigsaw puzzles, jellybeans, and learning her way around Kansas City to discover its obscure hidden gems. She and the boys are always up for what’s next! She plays piano, viola, and sings when the schedule allows. She also travels (both near and abroad) at every opportunity the budget allows!