Marla started her nonprofit career in 2008 with the Nonprofit Center in Wichita Falls and quickly fell in love with the nonprofit sector.  She completed the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Fundraising Course in 2010 and a Certificate of Nonprofit Management from MSU in 2011.  Marla transitioned to the current Center in January 2019, when it went from a stand-alone nonprofit organization to become part of the MSU/Texas Tech system.  Recently, in 2022, Marla became a Standards for Excellence licensed nonprofit consultant.   She also received her Certificate in Nonprofit Board Consulting from Board Source in April of 2023. Most recently, she received her Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) designation in 2025.

Community involvement is very important to Marla.  She is a 2010 graduate of Leadership Wichita Falls and served on their Board of Directors for 6 years as Board Chair, Treasurer, and Program Chair.  She has also served on boards and committees for several other nonprofit organizations and committees, such as Vernon College Foundation, Nonprofit Management Institute,  Empty Bowls, THOR, CASAblanca, and High Heels for Hot Meals.