Marla retired from Norwalk High School in Norwalk Iowa in the summer of 2025. She was an assistant principal and was with the district for twenty-five years. Over the years she served as a student advocate, Dean of Students, and a school counselor. Beginning her education career in 1991 as an at-risk teacher/coordinator in the Earlham & Dexfield Districts. In 1993 she became the school counselor for the Dexfield/West Central Valley School District. During her career she has coached girls varsity basketball, middle school volleyball, and high school volleyball. She also served as a middle school athletic director.

Over the years she supported high school students in both academic and personal development. Marla had been deeply involved in working with students beginning their college/career planning while still in high school. During her time at Norwalk over a hundred students earned their Associate of Arts, Associates of Science and/or both degrees before graduating from high school. She also would with 100’s of students to earn certifications from the community college before graduating from high school. Administering standardized testing, including the ACT and PSAT, and guiding students through scholarship and college-prep processes were also some of her passions. Her role often brought her into direct connection with students during pivotal moments of their high school experience.

Outside of her core duties in student advocacy, Marla was recognized for often working behind the scenes—resolving hallway issues, responding to student needs, and contributing quietly to the school’s day-to-day stability. Her dedication to student welfare and educational equity shapes much of her professional identity within her educational career.

Marla was a USTA referee and umpire for over twenty-five years. During her time as an official she ran many successful tournaments and worked sectional events. She also played on USTA 3.5/4.0 teams for numerous years. She also enjoyed playing mxd doubles. The Central Iowa Tennis Alliance (CITA) has been a very important non-profit she has supported and is currently the treasurer. She is married to RSPA Master professional Bunny Bruning.

Marla has her BA in Sociology from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa and her MA in Secondary Education, with an emphasis in school counseling, from Drake University in DSM, IA. She also holds a State of Iowa teaching and an administrators license.