Marissa Haugh

Service, education, and health have been central themes in Marissa Haugh's life. Over the years, she has explored many professional roles, ranging from early childhood education and child life services to fitness and nutrition coaching. Each stage of her career has reflected her dedication to helping others live healthier and more meaningful lives, while also allowing her to balance her professional accomplishments with the responsibilities of being a mother.

Her academic journey laid the foundation for much of her work. After completing high school, she attended the University of Rhode Island, earning a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies. The degree provided her with a deep understanding of family systems and human growth across all stages of life. Seeking to broaden her skills, she pursued additional study at Parsons’ School of Design, where she completed a Certificate in Fine Arts and Foundation in 2001. Soon after, she continued her education at Bank Street College, earning a Master of Science in Child Life in 2003. These academic experiences gave her a balance of creativity, compassion, and technical knowledge to guide her throughout her career.

Her professional journey began during college. She worked as a daycare leader, giving her firsthand experience managing young children and supporting their daily development. She later joined Talbot Perkins Children’s Services in Brooklyn as a caseworker, assisting families through adoption and foster care services. This work exposed her to children's challenges, who needed stability and care. At the same time, she took on a leadership position as Lead Camp Counselor at Epiphany Nursery School Camp, creating art and cooking projects while managing classroom activities.

In 1998, Marissa became the head teacher at Trevor Day School in New York City. She helped manage classrooms, identified student needs, and tailored teaching techniques to support learning. This role prepared her to transition into healthcare settings, where she applied her expertise to children and families experiencing serious medical challenges. At Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York, she served as a Child Life Specialist, providing therapeutic interventions for children in pediatric units. She supported young patients facing conditions such as cancer, asthma, cystic fibrosis, HIV/AIDS, and transplant recovery, while also guiding families through emotionally difficult times.