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Marisa writes fiction and nonfiction from her home in the middle of nowhere New York with her loving husband and the cutest Chiweenies ever, Terry and Lucy. (But she does her best writing on ferry boats and train rides.)

She is currently at work on her first book—YAY!—a memoir entitled Everything You Can't Control.

A former middle school teacher, Marisa now works as a peer recovery specialist at a local not-for-profit where she supports individuals in improving their mental health and wellness. Her passion for mental health advocacy and past experiences with discrimination inspire her to speak openly about her mental health conditions.

Marisa's idea of fun includes playing board games, hiking, reading, dancing awkwardly and singing badly to loud music, or painting her next masterpiece. She values travel as a form of education and loves learning languages, exploring new places, and meeting people.

You can find her, somewhat begrudgingly, on Instagram @marisarussellowrites or on Twitter @russellowrites. (She gave into peer pressure.)

Marisa graduated with a bachelor’s in Spanish language and literature from Haverford College and a master’s in TESOL from Teachers College, Columbia University. She has taken writing courses from Catapult and elsewhere.