Talk to Marissa long enough and it will become readily apparent that she has a passion for integrating Indigenous wisdom with current empirical understandings of the human mind. This curiosity was initially nurtured by a 1995 issue of National Geographic cover story about the brain, which then led her to study Cognitive Science and Psychology at Rice University.

Like many high-achieving, first-generation college students from working class backgrounds, Marissa felt the pains of feeling like an imposter among peers and struggled with severe anxiety. But that’s where she also found out about a lil’ ol’ thing called, “therapy”. Finding the right therapist back then was her first step in reframing her relationship with anxiety, clarifying values and goals, and creating a path toward meaningful success.

With 8 years of experience providing therapy in residential treatment and high school settings, Marissa founded Ola Wellness in 2013. Ola means “wave” in Spanish and is included as both a nod to the guidance and power water symbolizes in Marissa’s native Mexica and Coahuiltecan cultures, as well as an homage to a quote by Jon Kabat-Zinn (founder of MBSR) — “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”

In addition to her clinical work, Marissa has also written mental health policy for Austin ISD and trained numerous clinicians on culturally-competent interventions on the topics of grief and identity. Marissa continues to see clients, as well as provide clinical supervision for her associates, lecture at University of Texas Austin, offer executive leadership coaching, speak at a variety of conferences and events, and serve as a leader on select nonprofit boards.