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. 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. Currently, she is a core faculty member in the University of the Cumberlands hybrid DPT program, where her focus is on pediatrics, evidence-based practice, and integrated case-based learning. 

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 South 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 is working on her PhD in Leadership Studies at the University of the Cumberlands. She aims to study the advocacy behaviors of leaders and how it impacts new professionals. 

Pediatric physical therapy, Case-based learning, Advocacy 

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 into the role of Pediatric Advocacy Liaison (SPAL). In 2023, she was named the Payment and Policy Advocacy Liaison within the APPT and served her 3-year term until early 2026. Marissa has also completed the SC Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Fellowship to connect resources for families across the state of South Carolina.