Marissa is a warm and compassionate Licensed Professional Counselor Associate who is passionate about helping children, teens, and young adults feel more comfortable, confident, and connected to themselves. She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Sacred Heart University. Marissa believes that the therapeutic relationship is at the heart of meaningful healing. For her, building genuine rapport, trust, and connection creates a foundation where clients can feel safe enough to be themselves, explore what they are experiencing, and grow at their own pace.

Marissa creates a welcoming, nonjudgmental therapeutic environment where clients can show up exactly as they are without feeling pressured to have everything figured out. She believes that clients are the experts on themselves and strives to meet each person where they are. By giving clients space to take an active role in their own journey, Marissa encourages them to explore their emotions, recognize their strengths, and make meaningful changes in ways that feel authentic to them.

Marissa works with children, teens, and young adults who may be navigating anxiety, OCD, low self-esteem, mood-related challenges, and the many ups and downs that come with growing and discovering who you are. She is passionate about supporting young people through life’s challenges while helping them build confidence, strengthen emotional awareness, and develop a stronger sense of self. Marissa also understands that therapy can look different for everyone and values creating an environment where clients feel comfortable being themselves.

In her clinical work, Marissa takes a compassionate and individualized approach, incorporating creative and experiential methods when appropriate. She may use art and play-based activities, creative expression, and other unconventional techniques to help clients explore emotions and communicate in ways that feel natural and meaningful. Marissa believes that therapy does not have to look the same for everyone and adapts her approach to each client’s personality, interests, needs, and goals.

Marissa works collaboratively with clients to develop healthy coping strategies, build resilience, strengthen self-confidence, and better understand their emotions and experiences. She believes that clients do not have to navigate life’s challenges alone and that therapy can be a place to slow down, feel understood, discover new parts of yourself, and grow into the person you want to become.

In addition to her clinical work, Marissa serves as MJA’s Marketing & Community Outreach Assistant, where she combines her passion for mental health with her love of creativity, connection, and community. She supports social media, community outreach, administrative systems, and day-to-day operations while helping create opportunities for MJA to connect with the people and communities it serves.

Marissa believes that growth does not have to happen all at once. Sometimes, it begins with having one person who makes you feel seen, heard, and accepted exactly as you are. Her goal is to create that space for clients while helping them build the confidence and tools to navigate life with greater self-awareness, resilience, and authenticity.

Outside of the therapy room, Marissa enjoys traveling, reading, crocheting, and spending time outdoors. She loves exploring new places, trying new things, and making memories with the people she cares about