Malkind became particularly close to the choreographer and ballet director Ruth Page during the last decade of Page’s life. She worked first as an office manager and then director for the Ruth Page Foundation from 1981 through 1992. In addition to extensively photographing the Ruth Page Foundation School of Dance, particularly rehearsals and performances of The Nutcracker, she took many candid photos of Ruth Page in her later years. She started pursuing work as a freelance writer and photographer during this time, and dedicated herself to freelance work full-time from 1992 through 1995. She often photographed other Chicago dance events, including the Tribune Charities Nutcracker rehearsals and the Joseph Holmes Chicago Dance Theater studios. She was also known to roam the streets of Chicago, photographing people, street events, etc.

From 1994 through 1999, Malkind worked as the Project Coordinator for the American Medical Association (AMA). In addition to earning her MPH from UIC, she published several papers during these years. Most of the papers dealt with geriatric concerns such as home care, osteoporosis, the health needs of older women, and more. In 1999, she was hired as the director of the Silver Images Film Festival, the only film festival in Chicago dedicated to portraying the lives of older people.

Malkind’s brother convinced her to relocate to San Francisco in 2002 to explore some real estate opportunities for extra income. She now works as the Executive Director of the Legacy Film Festival on Aging. She also has two children, Stephanie and David.