She went to the University of Toronto / Sheridan College 'Theatre & Drama Studies' program, where summers were spent back-packing Europe, working for Jean Chrétien at the Prime Minister's Office, doing kids show tours and getting dance and fitness teaching certifications. Thanks to much schooling, in addition to excessive theatre jargon, MJ boasts random knowledge in World Religions and French Literature.

After theatre school MJ worked across Canada tackling a few good old musicals and romantic comedies, regional theatre shows, a couple of tours and singing on Celebrity Cruises. Shortly after her return from the ship, she had a nasty injury that led her to developing a second career.

The fates led her to PR firm rock-it promotions where she was trained and worked as a publicist, brushing shoulders with the business and entrepreneurial end of the industry and opening her eyes to the world of producing. During that time, MJ also went back to U of T to get her Masters in Theatre. There she began to mold the outline of a future company that would produce theatre, film and TV and corporate entertainment, as well as provide more opportunities for women in the arts.