MARLA PHILLIPS brings more than 30 years of experience in psychology, education, and service to her role as Secretary of the Iris Music Project Board. She earned a B.S. in Psychology, cum laude, from Towson State University and an M.A. in Psychology from The Catholic University of America, with additional graduate specialization in School Psychology. She spent her career as a school psychologist, first with Queen Anne’s County Public Schools and later with Howard County Public Schools, supporting elementary and middle school students. Since retiring, Marla has continued her commitment to service through volunteer work with older adults at Charles E. Smith Communities, including story-crafting and memory care support. Her long-standing connection to the community—and to Iris founder Lauren Latessa—deepened her appreciation for the transformative power of music and creative engagement. She is honored to support Iris’s mission as a member of its Board.