Marla earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of St. Francis in Albuquerque, N.M. She has more than seven years of experience in health care and has been serving as physician assistant in Decatur since 2018.  

"My mother was a dedicated nurse, and growing up, I witnessed her commitment to caring for others and the positive impact she had on patients," says Marla. "Her passion for health care inspired me and instilled a sense of purpose in me from a young age."

She particularly enjoys the impact she can have on patients in occupational medicine.

"It's a field where I can make a tangible and positive impact on both individuals and the organizations they work for," says Marla. "I help create safer work environments, prevent injuries and illnesses and facilitate the recovery and well-being of individuals who have faced workplace challenges."

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters. She also has been working with the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and other occupational medicine physician assistants to develop a certificate of added qualifications in occupational medicine.