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About me

Meet Marla

I am a wife, mom to five grown kids, Registered Nurse, portrait photographer, author, and speaker.

I’ve always enjoyed learning, listening, and teaching. In the thick of my parenting journey, I read so many books, chatted with girlfriends, and journaled with God.

Over time, I saw what worked and what didn’t as we raised our four boys and one girl. I began to facilitate parenting classes at church, and then teach other moms tips and tricks that worked for us.

I now speak on many practical topics to help mamas who are raising the next generation of children. My heart desire is that we parents would have a lasting legacy of faith and connection with our children.

I’m so happy you’ve stopped to get to know me. My prayer is that you’ll be blessed by what is shared here through my stories, photos, links, and speaking topics.

I’d love to hear from you! You can drop me a note in my contact page, and if you’re interested, sign up for my quarterly newsletter.

Blessings to you,
Marla

Get to know me

Fun Facts About Me

Favorite Drink

Daily breakfast smoothie with bananas, chia seeds, coconut and protein

Perfect Day

Sleeping in, comfy clothes, reading on the porch in the sunshine, or swinging on our super tall swing

Favorite Color

Red! Love my zippy red VW Beetle

Perfect Date

Beach walk, or a woodsy hike with my hubby, and then a yummy dinner I didn’t make

Favorite Meal

Maine “Lobsta” or filet done medium with a nice hot potato

Perfect Vacation

Time with family to laugh, eat, play games, catch up on life … and lots of sunshine!

Awards/Recognition

Speaking

I have been speaking for over 35 years. First as a Registered Nurse, presenting to my peers on subjects in Healthcare, then training and leading medical teams in Haiti.

I’ve also loved teaching and speaking in local churches about all kinds of topics related to parenting, organization, childrearing and money saving tips while having fun. ​

I was an active part of Community Bible Study  for over 15 years, many of those years as a Children’s Director. I loved the opportunity to dive deep into God’s word and shepherd the other teachers, while also spending time teaching and playing with children. ​

My husband and I now lead a weekly church small group in our home where we have enjoyed deeper relationships with others in our church community and a better understanding of the Bible. ​

I have been speaking for Mastering Motherhood  for many years. Their mission is to connect with moms in New England, and share the Bible with women of all faiths through weekly speakers, book groups and table conversation.

​I also look forward to speaking this fall at Gather for Women, a ministry in Manchester CT which gives women the opportunity to learn, share and grow closer to Jesus through coffee, conversation and monthly speakers. ​

Writing

I have been published by AEBooks Publishing and Baker Publishing group in several compilation devotionals. AnchorInTheStorm, RefreshedByHisGrace, TheKitchenDevotional, El ro’I The God Who Sees (Fall 2024). 

I am working feverishly to finish my first book! It is entitled, “Summer Fun for Everyone: How to Enjoy Summer Vacation as Much as Your Kids Do – Year after Year.” My prayer is that this book will lay a foundation of faith, family. focus and fun for parents and child caregivers as they seek to train their children from toddler age, well into high school age, with great ideas for adventure, play, education and creativity — All while teaching them to be self-starters and enjoy the great outdoors. The book and accompanying “Summer Fun Chart” kit will be available on Amazon and here in my store. ​

Photography

I have also been snapping photos for over 40 years and have tons of albums and digital files to show for it.

In my teens my dad bought me my first Ricoh film camera (SLR) and I fell in love with photography. Then after many years with my Ricoh and Nikon, in 2008 I moved to digital photography (DSLR). I love nature settings and outdoors for most of my professional work in portraits, headshots and family groups. ​

My kids know that when they come home now for holidays or vacation, Mom will get out the tripod and “big camera” for some fun and posed shots to capture the moments. As much as they groan to smile and pose, they are next asking for a shared folder to see and grab all the photos!​

I also have fun on the volunteer photo/media team with Vox Church. I’ve taken photos of baby dedications, baptisms, special events and worship nights. ​See my photo work at marladarius.com​

Creating Moments that Make Meaningful Memories

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