Marissa is from Macomb, Michigan, but has spent the majority of the past few years traveling. She has spent time with casts of nationally touring shows and cruise ships, which is where her interest in communication within the hierarchy of theatre and the violence of intimacy was solidified. Ultimately, this has led her to Intimacy Directing and Performance Studies here at NYU. Her drive to pursue this field of study stems from a desire to help make it easier for the artists she loves to maintain their mental, emotional, and physical health. Marissa also has experience volunteering at theaters in the Metro Detroit area including the Hilberry, Bonstelle, Slipstream Theatre Initiative, and Planet Ant.