Marissa grew up in Tracy, California, and began dancing at the age of nine at Sondance Christian Dance School. She trained in the Cecchetti Method of classical ballet along with other styles of dance and quickly fell in love with both the art form and the freedom of expression it offered. As she matured as a dancer, her heart opened to the beauty of worshiping God through movement and to the way dance can lead others to know Him. For Marissa, dance is a form of prayer. She loves how movement and music bring lyrics to life to tell a story, and the story she most loves to share is the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Marissa first joined Paradosi Ballet Company as a Trainee during the 2018 to 2020 seasons. During the pandemic, she returned to California to be with her family and danced with Anastasis Christian Ballet. Even while away, she sensed God tugging on her heart to return to the Pacific Northwest, and in 2024 the door opened for her to rejoin Paradosi.

Marissa now serves as a Company Artist with Paradosi Ballet Company. She is grateful to be serving with the ministry and looks forward to the opportunities ahead as she continues to further God’s Kingdom through worship, discipleship, and dance.