McKenzie grew up in Santa Cruz, California and attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. After graduating, she found herself back in Aptos, California, wanting to work alongside children. McKenzie is ABA certified and worked with children on the autism spectrum before starting her journey at Santa Cruz Montessori. Surprisingly, McKenzie is an aunt to 15 nieces and nephews and has been around children her whole life. She loves to see children's minds flourish and be reminded of life's simple pleasures from their perspectives.