Mackenzie was born and raised in Gainesville, Florida, and earned her degree in Outdoor Recreation in Parks and Tourism from Southern Utah University, with an emphasis in Outdoor Education. She began working for the National Park Service across the country in places such as Cedar Breaks National Monument, Zion National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Cape Cod National Seashore, and Mount Rainier National Park, focusing on trail work, maintenance, education, and interpretation. These experiences shaped her passion for helping people connect with the landscapes around them. Now living permanently in the desert, Mackenzie loves sharing the beauty of this unique environment with others.