Marsha earned a bachelor's in international studies for Japan regional studies and Japanese language and literature and a master's in landscape architecture from the University of Washington. She is a professional landscape architect working in environmental documentation, permitting, and compliance for transportation projects in Washington state, including highway, ferry, and light rail. She has served on non-profit boards for the King County Master Gardener Program and University Christian Church (UCC), where she served as moderator of the congregation. Marsha also served as the UCC committee facilitator for church property sale and development of the Arbora Court affordable housing.