Sara is originally from Ohio, but has also lived in New Jersey and moved to Boulder, Colorado when she was 18 years old. In 1991 she received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Colorado in Anthropology with a focus on Ethnobotany and Nutritional Anthropology. Sara then went on to attain a Certification in Graphic Design from the Colorado Art Institute in 1997, a Certification in Medicinal Herbalism from the Rocky Mountain Center for Botanical Studies in 2002, and a Diploma in Equine Studies from the University of Guelph in 2021. 

 

Sara and her husband Lenny have been operating the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse since its construction in 1998. After being a working mother for 25 years, she is elated to have found time to join the Boulder Dushanbe Sister Cities Project. Sara admires the members of the BDSC board and deeply respects the time and effort they put into their projects and the Teahouse. Cultural exchange and relationships have played important roles in her education and professional experience, which are also some of the driving forces of BDSC.

​

Sara and Lenny have three children who are all involved in their business: Jax, Rory, and Lily. Jax lives at their farm and grows organic produce for the Teahouse and the Martinellis' other restaurants. Rory is the Director of Digital Sales and Marketing. Lily is the Director of Catering and Events, handling all special events at their restaurants as well as off-site catering. The Martinellis are beyond thrilled to have welcomed their new son-in-law, Jaxon, and their granddaughter, Charlotte, into the family last year.