Marya wears many different hats at the STAR Center but one of her favorites is being a Pre-ETS Instructor. In this role, she gets the opportunity to help students navigate their way to life after high school. According to Marya, it took her many, many years to find a career that completely suited her strengths and abilities. Her path to a career would have likely been much easier if she had guidance such as what is offered in Pre-ETS. Her own experience in this area fuels her passion for helping students find their own road to personal success. She is so thankful that she gets to play a part in helping young adults find their way in life beyond high school.

Originally from the southern tip of Illinois, Marya came to Jackson in 1999 as a Union University student. She graduated from Union in 2003 with a dual degree in music and psychology and went on to obtain a certification in music therapy from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in 2014. Marya has worked at the STAR Center since 2022. Marya and her husband, Brandon have been married 21 years and have lived in Jackson that entire time. They have three amazing children who keep them busy beyond their work lives. When not at work, Marya loves to hike and be outdoors and loves to serve the Lord and others through her local church.