Our Founder

Marissa is a dedicated and passionate advocate for children and families navigating the complexities of special education. With both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Connecticut, Marissa brings a wealth of academic knowledge and practical experience to her advocacy work.

Currently serving as a Special Education Advocate for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, Marissa provides comprehensive support to Indigenous families. Her work extends beyond Connecticut, as she is well-versed in education laws across multiple states, enabling her to effectively guide families wherever they are located. Marissa reviews Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), facilitates productive school meetings, and ensures students receive appropriate services and accommodations. She also empowers parents by educating them about their rights under special education law and helps them navigate disputes through resolution processes, mediation, or due process hearings.

As a member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) and a graduate of the SEAT 1.0 Special Education Advocate Training, Marissa brings nationally recognized expertise and professionalism to her advocacy. Building strong relationships and actively listening to families are key components of her approach, ensuring that every child’s unique needs are understood and addressed.

Marissa’s professional journey includes roles as a resource and self-contained special education teacher, case manager, and program coordinator. She has extensive experience working with neurodiverse populations, tailoring her methods to meet the varied needs of her students. Marissa adopts a whole-student approach to teaching, integrating social, emotional, behavioral, and academic supports to foster comprehensive development. She utilizes progress monitoring and data collection to track student growth, inform instructional strategies, and ensure the best possible outcomes. Her expertise spans Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), making her uniquely equipped to support learners in diverse settings.

Outside of her advocacy work, Marissa is a proud mom and a passionate coach and mentor in the softball community. She has led teams to remarkable achievements, emphasizing leadership, teamwork, and resilience both on and off the field.

Marissa’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity and educational equity drives her mission to ensure that every child, regardless of their abilities, receives the resources and support they need to thrive.