A LITTLE BIT ABOUT Marla

A third generation native of Denver, I grew up in a large family with seven siblings and married another Denver native. Although you might find other locals complaining about all the transplants, that is not what you will hear from us! I have always loved Denver, but the food, activities, shows, and events got so much better and the city has been so aesthetically improved with all the changes, that we have welcomed the newcomers with open arms. In addition, our three children were adopted as babies from Siberia, Moscow, and China - so not loving new arrivals would be criminal. Historically I have loved to travel, but now I am finding a low key weekend in the mountains, a campfire with friends, or a long walk on a cool day to be all the fun and restorative experiences I need. On free days you will find me exploring a different coffee shop, restaurant, or small store with family or friends to see what is new and perusing as many little Free Libraries as I can find on my walks.

Why I am pursuing a career as a relationship counselor

My background was primarily in the corporate world and then as a small business owner, yet my joy and what gave me purpose was volunteering with the schools, the un-housed, and finally with international refugees, where I felt what I did was important and connected me with my community.

As my children grew older, I had the time to really think about what I wanted for my future and was immediately drawn to mental health counseling. From my own experiences with pre-marital counseling to adoption counseling and final to family counseling that helped my family members cope with some major life events like chronic illness and severe anxiety, counseling freed us from old patterns that kept us stuck in a cycle of fear and worry. Rebuilding relationships and habits that were hard to see without help ended up being instrumental in walking us through many of life’s challenges.

The changes I saw in myself and the rest of the family was so encouraging that I knew this was the field where I wanted to invest my time. Experiencing the safety and connection that can be in a marriage and family has been a gift and I want to see that same security and acceptance in the relationships of other couples and families.

Credentials

Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling Candidate- Fort Hays State University

Master of Political Science - University of Colorado Denver, Colorado.  

Bachelor of Science, Criminology - University of Colorado Denver, Colorado /Metro State University, Denver, CO

Previous Experience

Volunteer with International Refugees Denver – over 10 years working with families from all over the world to transition into their new lives in Denver, working with schools, employers, courts, social agencies to advocate for the newcomers and their needs.

Professional Trainer/Educator – From corporate training to substitute teaching, most of my previous careers have included public speaking and transmitting information in ways that don’t put the audience to sleep!

Professional Affiliations

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy - Member

Random ‘fun facts’ about me!

Best Goal: To live in the moment and not mentally spend time on the fear of the future or regrets in the past.

Best Habit: Taking long walks every day.

Best Reason to be Happy: Mornings…I am one of those insufferable people who love to be awake with the sunrise.

Best Legal Route to Joy: Campfires - I don’t love all aspects of camping, but I do it just for that night campfire under the stars and the first fire of the morning with some percolated coffee.

Best Flaw:  I find people and their stories fascinating to the point that sometimes introverts get a deer-in-the-headlights look when I approach them. I am learning to respect people’s space and not frighten them with my enthusiasm.

Best Accomplishment: Raising three kids and watching them launch their lives.

Best Motto: "Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have." ~ Eckhart Tolle

Best Under-Appreciated Skill: I’m good at puzzles and dominos, two skills that have not served me in any way.

Ready to get started?

Schedule an appointment with me.