MaryEllen grew up in the press box booth at County Stadium while her father announced for the Milwaukee Braves and then the Brewers. She developed a love for sports and to this day loves the sound of the crack of the bat and the taste of brats and beer. After obtaining a Bachelor Degree in Psychology at the University of Wisconsin, she headed to the land of sunshine and warm weather, Los Angeles.

There she was introduced to the field of advertising, obtaining a Marketing Degree, and rising to VP of New Business Development at a few major advertising agencies (Young & Rubicam, NW Ayer, and D’Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles) during the 15 years she lived there.

During a getaway vacation to Santa Fe in 1992, MaryEllen fell in love with the culture and quiet lifestyle and never returned to Los Angeles. She opened her own firm, Collins Forte Marketing & Advertising, and ran that agency for 25 years. Her firm specialized in all aspects of real estate; from realty firms and home stagers to residential builders and developers.  

”My love for Santa Fe began with an evening walk down Canyon Road. Everything about this wonderful town drew me in and has never let me go."  MaryEllen understands the importance of honest relationships and open communication. Being self-motivated, detail oriented, and able to understand customers needs and emotions is what propelled her to real estate.