Marissa has a B.A. in Elementary Education from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN and a Master of Divinity Degree from Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California; a duo of degrees she jokes is the perfect blend of her parents, Nova and Dan: a retired elementary school teacher and retired pastor, respectively. Marissa served on the staff at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids for 12 years as Director of Children and Family Ministries, Celebration Worship Architect and Worship Leader (2009-2022). Prior to that, she served on staff at churches in Georgia and California, and has consulted for several churches around the Cedar valley. Marissa is also a keynote speaker and published author of articles and curriculum for Sparkhouse.