She owns a psychological firm with 20 staff, has lectured and taught at the post-graduate level, and has consulted extensively to numerous organizations throughout Alberta. She is a lifelong member of LCMS and LCC churches, raised in Winnipeg and later living in Minnesota, California, Edmonton, and now Calgary for 20 years. She met her husband while attending Concordia University St Paul and they have two adult children. She has deep roots in the Lutheran church, with parents who are active members, a father-inlaw who was VP in Minnesota South, and two brothers-in-law as LCMS pastors. Marlis and her husband have both held numerous church Board positions over the years and most recently were heavily involved in a Calgary church plant.