Born in 1985, McFarland attended the United States Naval Academy, earning a Bachelor of Science in Political Science while serving as Crew Team Captain from 2004 to 2008. She later pursued an MBA at the University of North Carolina's Kenan-Flagler Business School from 2011 to 2013.

McFarland served in the United States Navy from 2008 to 2016 and continued in the United States Navy Reserve from 2016 to 2023. Her military service was recognized with two United States Navy/United States Marine Corps Commendation Medals and four United States Navy Achievement Medals.

An Episcopalian, she moved to Florida in 2018. She is married to Matthew Melton and has three children.

McFarland is actively involved in military and veteran organizations, serving as a board member for Operation Warrior Resolution and as a member of the Military Officers Association and the Navy League. She also participates in the Service Academy Congressional Nomination Board and serves as a U.S. Naval Academy Blue and Gold Officer.

Before her political career, she worked as a business management consultant.