Born and raised in NE Portland, Mar played flute and baritone saxophone throughout childhood. In 2017, while playing baritone saxophone at Concordia University Portland, Mar learned that handbell choirs existed and joined the university's ensemble. As a former dance choreographer, Mar's favorite instrument by far is handbells because it combines musicianship with movement. Mar joined Bells of the Cascades in Fall 2021, rang in Velocity Handbell Ensemble for a season, then returned to BOC in Fall 2023!

Having completed their master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs in 2021 and their Master of Social Work Degree in 2026, Mar works professionally in social services and mental health services. When they're not ringing, you might find Mar in the local social partner dancing (specifically Lindy Hop) scene or learning to play their great-grandfather’s kīkā kila (meaning “steel guitar” in ʻŌlelo Hawai’i).