About Marisa

Hi there! I’m Marisa (rhymes with Theresa)—just your average bipolar/bisexual/bilingual lady. I was born in New York the same year as the Nintendo console, Green Day, and Push Pops, which I enjoy to this day. I still live there (in a different house) writing fiction and nonfiction, though I do my best writing on ferry boats and train rides. I have a loving husband, the occasional foster child, and two small dogs that are cuter than your baby.

I am at work completing my first book—YAY!—a memoir entitled Everything You Can't Control. Find out more and read an excerpt on the Publications page of this site.

A former middle school teacher, I now work as a peer specialist where I support people in exploring whatever they're struggling with and building a life with meaning. I've been there too. My passion for mental health advocacy and past experiences with discrimination inspire me to speak openly about my disabilities.

When I'm not out there saving the world, I'm usually tossing and turning in bed, donning my sleep apnea mouthpiece.

My idea of fun includes playing board games, doing improv comedy, kayaking, swimming, reading, dancing awkwardly and singing out of key to loud music, or painting my next masterpiece. Also: fantasizing that my house is clean and my inbox empty. I value travel as a form of education and love learning languages, exploring new places, and meeting people to open my mind to different perspectives and ideas.

You might find me on Instagram or Threads @marisarussellowrites, though NOT on what was formerly known as Twitter. (Shh! I never liked it anyway.) But definitely at my house.

Marisa and her spouse wearing life jackets and standing in front of a red kayak.

Marisa sitting on the floor, surrounded by piles of books.

J'ai appris le français à l'école pendant six ans, et j'ai utilisé Google Translate pour écrire cette phrase. Al menos recuerdo como hablar español.

I graduated with a bachelor’s in Spanish language and literature from Haverford College and a master's in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages/Applied Linguistics from Teachers College, Columbia University. I put those expensive college degrees to good use by keeping them in a box in my parents' basement. I've taken writing courses from many awesome people at Catapult and elsewhere.

I have a free newsletter called Of Mice & Mental Health, which I send quite sporadically. It has mice memes that I draw myself.

If you’d like to request me as a speaker—I'm super talented—please contact me directly. Previously, I've worked with The Stability Network (a nonprofit that's now closed), where I presented about my own mental health struggles to empower others and inspire hope. I've also spoken at events for AFSP and for NAMI, the largest mental health organization in the U.S., and consulted for the Mount Sinai Suicide Prevention Research Lab. I am especially proud to have performed at Ancram Center for the Arts' Real People Real Stories fall 2023 show in the Hudson Valley.

And, of course, I perform improv comedy shows with my awesome team, Critical Mass!

Photo of Marisa speaking at a microphone at an event.

Of Mice and Mental Health (opens in new tab)

Dissecting the tangled web of mental health with a supportive group of cartoon mice.