Marissa is a Carolina girl by way of Illinois. Born in Charlotte, her family relocated to the Chicago suburbs when she was in middle school and she spent the next 22 years in the Land of Lincoln. After attending Illinois State she lived in Chicago and worked for a marketing agency for 7 years, before taking a break to spend more time with her boys (Declan and Quinn). Her career turned toward real estate in 2012, when she became a client services coordinator for a leading luxury home realtor. The change in career came naturally, as her mother has been a realtor for 30 years, so she grew up surrounded by the excitement of the industry.

After spending countless summers visiting family in North Raleigh, Marissa and her husband Brian decided they couldn't stand the Chicago winters any longer and moved their family to Wake Forest in 2016. They love spending time outdoors exploring Falls Lake, the many beautiful Carolina beaches and anywhere Declan and Quinn can go on an adventure. On the occasion that Marissa and Brian can sneak out for a date night, they love going to concerts and trying new restaurants.