Come have a look.
work the craft and listen—
Dolly and me.
“Bitter Baby James” and the Life of an Idea
Hello. I’m Marla.
I’m a writer, singer-songwriter and longtime creativity mentor.
For more than twenty years, I’ve helped thoughtful, accomplished people make room for the work—and parts of themselves—that truly matter.
These days, I’m making more room for mine, too.
What work or practice wants more of you?
Maybe there’s something you want to make, begin, finish or pursue—but somehow, year after year, it still hasn’t found a real place in your life.
Or maybe you simply know some essential part of you just isn’t yet visible.
This is the work I love.
Private Mentorship
Sustained one-to-one support for creating something important, pursuing a new direction, or reshaping a significant part of your life or work.
Lively Future Studio
An intimate, carefully curated community for people who want ongoing structure and very good company as they make, experiment and create lives that more fully reflect who they actually are.
“Marla is a subtle magician. When I began working with her, I felt my inner artist and writer were trapped.... With unmatched compassion and small doable steps, Marla helped me form portable and flexible habits that fit into my lifestyle.... Just a little over one year later, I have created over one hundred pieces of art from a place of flow and authenticity.
“I am forever grateful to Marla for helping me bring my inner gifts and passions to life.”
— Andrea Lee-Zucker, interdisciplinary artist and social entrepreneur
“With Marla's coaching I didn't just get more done; I learned to live in a way that was truer to my own values and priorities.”
— Richard Hermes, writer and teaching professor
“Marla's coaching helped me create more intention and alignment in my life.... I learned practical tools to create more space in my life and help me regain my focus.”
— Jennie Mulqueen, singer and Humanist chaplain
“During one session, a small idea sparked in my mind: working with first responders. It was just a tiny thought, barely there. But Marla helped me nurture that small idea, giving me the confidence to transform it into a thriving national nonprofit.”
— Heidi Carman, Executive Director, First Responder Therapy Dogs
