Marissa has been involved in the sport of gymnastics for 25 years. She began taking classes when she was 2 years old in a recreational program and worked her way onto the team to become competitive in the sport at the age of 5. She was a competitive gymnast for the next 13 years, competing both nationally and internationally. One of her greatest accomplishments was winning vault at the Pennsylvania State, Regional, and National Championships in 1998.

Once in college, she retired from the sport and began to instruct. Marissa has had the experience of working with numerous ages and cultures. She has worked with children ages 18 months to 18 years old. She has worked with competitive teams, both boys and girls, trampoline teams, rhythmic gymnasts, cheerleaders, and recreational classes. She has privately trained athletes from skiing, martial arts, track, and dance backgrounds as the instruction of gymnastics is beneficial for competitors of all sports.

She has recently earned her Master of Social Work degree from Temple University in May 2009. Through this program she was given the opportunity to work with diverse populations in North Philadelphia. Working in the field of Social Work, she recognized a lack of focus on nutritional and physical education. She did not believe in treating mental health alone, she sought out to connect the mind and body to improve overall health and wellness.

Beginning with physical education and a focus on movement and nutrition, Marissa looks forward to nurturing the mind through the body. She longs to see kids stand tall, proud of themselves, strong – both inside and out. Marissa wants to help build up her students so they may reach their full potential. She believes that everyone has the ability to be great, and with the right supports they will thrive in all areas of life. Kid Relentless was created to reach this vision.

While enrolled in school, she was a full–time employee at Karen Myers Incorporated; a gymnastics studio located in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. She has worked closely with Karen and helped her expand her recreational program. She has taught a wide range of classes from parent and tot, preschoolers, kindergarteners, 1st to 3rd grade, 4th grade and up, boys and girls, and tumbling. In addition, Marissa has worked with competitive gymnasts focusing on strength and flexibility.

Her passion is to introduce fitness and the sport of gymnastics to children of all ages and allow them to gain self esteem and self-confidence. Recognizing childhood obesity as a problem in our society, Marissa aims to pass on healthy lifestyle habits and become a model of fitness and nutrition for youth. She wants her students to take lessons and skills learned in the gym to benefit them in all aspects of life. Kid Relentless is her opportunity to make a difference in lives of children and families through the promotion of fitness and nutrition.