Arona was born in the Bajoran refugee camp on Kaltos III. Arona lived the horrors of the Cardassian Occupation through all of her early life. At the age of 15, the camp was attacked and ransacked by Cardassian soldiers searching for Bajoran freedom fighters. While Arona was aboard the Rutledge for treatment, she learned of her parents' deaths; she then requested Federation citizenship. Taking pity on the youth, the Captain approved and Arona left orbit with the Rutledge. Having seen so much suffering, Arona decided to enter Starfleet Academy to study medicine.

Arona's time at Starfleet Academy was pretty ordinary. While in attendance, Arona developed a tactical aptitude and made Tactical Procedures her second minor during her junior year. Upon graduation, Arona was assigned to the Miranda-class USS Tianannamen. Being primarily a cargo escort, Arona found the time to study more. After three and a half years, Arona was promoted to junior lieutenant and re-assigned to the Galaxy-class USS Justman, primarily a exploratory vessel.

Arona continued her studies and in 2375 became a full doctor, and received a promotion to full lieutenant. Arona was subsequently transferred to the Galaxy-class USS Majestic. After a serious fist fight with the XO of the Majestic, Arona was transferred to the new USS Steamrunner. Arona has received numerous commendations for her actions while the Steamrunner has been in battle. Having served with Arona on the Justman, Captain Daniel Whitman requested her to be the Chief Medical Officer aboard the Phantom.