Marla's journey began on a small farm in Indiana, surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature, adorable piglets, and playful kittens hiding in the haymow. Her heart, even as a child, was attuned to the world's gentle rhythms. She'd often venture into the woods, gaze at the sky, and daydream while exploring, a testament to her enduring connection to the natural world.

A passionate desire to make a difference, especially in the lives of children, has been Marla's driving force. Her greatest joy lies in lying on the ground with young minds, telling stories, sharing laughter, and fostering connections. She's always retained a childlike wonder, an essential quality that defines her character.

Marla embarked on her educational journey, earning a B.S. in Health Science. Her quest to help the less fortunate led her to intern on a Navajo Indian Reservation, where she developed essential educational resources for healthy living. It was a pivotal moment when she encountered a young boy struggling to thrive, a sight that tugged at her heartstrings and strengthened her resolve to make a more significant impact.

Her thirst for knowledge didn't stop there. Marla pursued a Master's degree in Exercise Physiology, enabling her to work with both adults and children in the health and wellness sphere. However, her experiences with children transformed her life. Her work with young patients in the pediatric transplant unit at UCSF Hospital and doing a student documentary featuring the work at Jerry Jampolsky’s Center for Attitudinal Healing, helping children who had life-threatening diseases or had a parent who had one, deepened her understanding of compassion and empathy.

Marla's most profound teachers have undoubtedly been her own children, showing her the boundless depths of love. In August 2006, she founded the Ethiopian Family Fund (EFF), a non-profit organization committed to enhancing the lives of Ethiopians. Her nonprofit focuses on helping women who are HIV positive develop sustainable business skills and ensures that little girls receive an education, an opportunity they would never have had.

Marla's mission is to guide individuals in discovering their unique life paths, using her intuitive insights and shamanic tools like the medicine wheel and tarot. Her spiritual work extends naturally to children, where she crafts highly personalized rituals for the young and those who cherish them deeply. This work not only serves her clients but nourishes her own soul.

Marla's dedication extends globally, as she travels internationally to speak and "play." Most recently, she journeyed to Poland to bring art and music to children and women who had been displaced by the Ukrainian war. There, she put on plays, fostering creativity and resilience in the face of adversity.

Marla's life is a testament to the profound impact one person can have on the world, and she continues to illuminate paths for others with her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to making a difference.