Marsha Laya
MSAA First Vice President

Born and raised in Michigan, Marsha received her BA and Master degrees in Pittsburgh, PA. She taught elementary and special education for 7 years before starting a 30 year career with the community mental health center located in Berrien County Michigan. During those 30 years she had the opportunity to develop and supervise programs for people who had severe mental illness and/or a developmental disability. Upon her retirement in 2001, she took time for some long distance cycling through Europe. But life is not all about pedaling around the world, so upon her return, she found her place as a volunteer with the American Red Cross. Under her direction, the Berrien County Chapter disaster volunteer base grew from a having 3 trained volunteers to having 110 volunteers. She was awarded “Volunteer of the Year” by her local Chapter and continues to devote full time to disaster services and to her duties as a member of the Board of Directors for the Berrien County Chapter.

In her spare time, she enjoys a close relationship with Lee Smittendorf, the 2006 Hall of Fame inductee and works at auctions when needed. She also enjoys the company of her three adopted, Asian children and 2 grandsons. Finally, she keeps herself busy trying to stay healthy through exercise, which includes those long bicycle rides.

As an Auxiliary member and First VP, Marsha believes her talents can best be used to help with planning and organizing, skills developed during her professional career in mental health administration. Marsha states, “I want to support the auction industry and the MSAA annual convention. I hope to see the Auxiliary supporting educational opportunities for its members at the annual convention and throughout the year.”

We are looking forward to using Marsha’s skills to build our Auxiliary as it supports the mission and purpose of the MSAA.