Dr. Powers is a native of Moore County, and attended Highfalls Elementary and North Moore High School. She received a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Bachelor of Arts in Exercise and Sports Science from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prior to attending dental school, Dr. Powers taught middle school science and math in Chapel Hill, and worked as a research assistant for the Department of Genetics at UNC-CH.

Dr. Powers received her dental degree with honors from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry, and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society. While in dental school, Dr. Powers was a member of the teaching committee, and the outcomes committee. She married fellow classmate, Dr. Nathan Hifko.

Following dental school, Dr. Powers completed a two-year pediatric dental residency at the University of Kentucky in Lexington. Dr. Powers is proud to be a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, she is also a member of the American Dental Association, North Carolina Dental Society, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Powers serves as Adjunct Faculty for UNC-School of Dentistry and as consult staff for Moore Regional Hospital. She holds a certification in Basic and Pediatric Advanced Life Support.