Maleese has a Master's in Early Childhood Development from Ashford University in San Diego and a Master's in Studio Fine Arts from the University of Arts in Philadelphia.  Maleese was most recently with the California Rural Tribal Health Board where she served as the Program Supervisor and Head Preschool Teacher in Point Arena.  She has taught art at the College of the Redwoods  in Fort Bragg and was an art teacher for the Mendocino Coast Recreation & Park District.  She has a Program Supervisor Permit from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.