Marla is a member of the Milks Camp Community of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe and is the founder and Executive Director of (NAAP), the first of two Native American Centers for Independent living in the Nation. Marla received her Masters in Counseling from Sinte Gleska University (SGU), a tribal university located on the Rosebud Reservation. She is a former chairwoman of the Board of Regents for Sinte Gleska University. In addition, Marla has served the state in various capacities including serving 12 years on the State Alcohol and Drug Advisory Council and Chairwoman of that council for 5 years ending her service in 2005 having last been appointed by Governor Janklow.