Research liaison for current residents

Marissa has extensive experience working with children of all ages and various diagnoses across multiple pediatric settings, including early intervention, acute care, sub-acute rehabilitation, outpatient clinics, and schools. Since 2017, she has focused on providing services in natural environments such as homes, playgrounds, and the wider community. Marissa has also dedicated time to educating and mentoring physical therapy students and currently serves as a faculty member and research liaison for the pediatric residents at Brooks. Additionally, she is a faculty member for the Pediatric Physical Therapy residency program at MUSC and an adjunct faculty member for pediatrics at South College in Knoxville, TN. Currently, Marissa is employed as a Content Development Manager, collaborating with faculty and subject matter experts to design Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) curriculum for both residential and hybrid programs at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. 

Marissa obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Marine and Environmental Sciences before going back to school to pursue her true passion for working with children. She graduated from the Medical University of School Carolina (MUSC) with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2016. She then completed a Pediatric Physical Therapy residency program with Brooks Institute of Higher Learning in Jacksonville, FL. She just recently began her Doctorate of Education (EdD) at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in January 2025. 

Marissa had previously been appointed to the South Carolina State Physical Therapy Board of Directors for 2 consecutive two-year terms. She served as a State Representative for the APTA Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy (APPT) and transitioned with the role to a Pediatric Advocacy Liaison (SPAL). In 2023 she was named the Payment and Policy Advocacy Liaison within the APPT. Marissa has also completed the SC Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Fellowship to connect resources for families across the state of South Carolina.