About

my journey to ayurveda and holistic health

my journey

My journey to holistic health began 15 years ago, when despite my healthy lifestyle and all my best efforts, I was struggling with chronic fatigue. I knew something was definitely wrong, but I wasn’t “sick” as our society would define it. I was frustrated that I was tired all the time, but blamed it on a busy work schedule. I didn’t realize my body was trying to communicate a deeper message. When I was introduced to Ayurveda, I felt a sigh of relief- I finally understood what my symptoms really meant. Learning my particular body type, my unique tendencies, and what foods and nutrients I was deficient in, allowed my symptoms to fade with ease. No longer was my body holding me back. My energy increased, my mood stabilized and I was able to feel the joys of life again. 

I understand every human is a work in progress– myself included. I am a work in progress. I don’t expect my clients to give up all desserts for good or wake up at 5 am daily to meditate and journal. My commitment to you is to help you reach a place of empowerment. A place where you are confident and in control of your health– forever. Ayurveda has transformed my health and revealed a deep desire to share this ancient wisdom with others.

Through my 1:1 coaching, corporate workshops and seasonal group cleanses, I hope to contribute to a culture that prioritizes optimal health, wellness, and disease prevention over quick-fixes.

"If you're committed to an anti-diet lifestyle, sense your body needs more nutrition, want to balance your hormones, have (truly) sustained energy, and want a soul sister to be by your side every step of the way - run, don't walk, to work with Marissa."
- Angela Parker, Founder of AMP tribe

a few of my favorite things

at my core, I know:

dancing soothes my
yoga is
trail runs at sunrise

I’m an LA native, and have lived in Spain and Colombia, where I learned Spanish and salsa dancing.

I am a certified yoga instructor, Integrative Nutrition Coach, and Ayurvedic Health Counselor. I previously spent over a decade as an elementary school teacher at a charter school in South Los Angeles, where I also developed a yoga and nutrition program for students.

let’s find your way back to balance & vitality

Step into your own wisdom, your innate power, your ability to be your own healer.
I look forward to being a part of your journey.

Benefits

Digestive Ease

Enjoy your meals without gas, bloating, constipation, indigestion, heart burn, and IBS.

Clear Mind

Clear brain fog, confusion, overstimulation, poor memory, and anxiety.

Restful Sleep

Fall asleep and stay asleep so that your body can properly restore and rejuvenate.

Glowing Skin

Healthy skin is a sign of healthy blood. Clear your lymphatic system and glow from the inside out.

Strong Immunity

Proactively build your resilience against illness so that you stay healthy and recover quickly.

Vitality

Build your life force, so that you move through each day with strength, joy, and ease.

Join the Flowing into Fall Cleanse!

An 18 day cleanse + rejuvenation journey based on holistic health and the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda.

Client Love

"I really appreciated how Marissa tailored her recommendations to my specific needs. She didn't push for me to change around my whole life, but instead gave me next steps that felt very doable and realistic, while also making meaningful improvements to my health."
Piper K.
"Marissa creates an atmosphere that’s calm and engaging, which allows you to dig deep and be honest with your ailments and daily routines. It was exactly what I needed. Before working with Marissa, I couldn’t sleep longer than 4 hours at a time and I barely had an appetite. Now I’m sleeping 6-7 hours/night and I’m eating 3 meals per day!"
Robert Bryant
"Marissa is excellent at her craft. She meets you where you are in the journey and gives really doable recommendations to address both pressing and long term issues. For me it was sleep, energy, bloating and indigestion. (Fun times). Everyone I’ve referred her to including physicians and nurses, pregnant and postpartum women, artists and tech workers always get back to me with glowing reviews as well which makes me even more grateful to share her, my gem, with the world! Highly highly recommend!"
Elana Davey
Senior Producer at R/GA Media Group
"Regardless of how I honored my cravings and appetite, I could feel my 40 year old body needed some nutrition it wasn’t getting. Although I felt a bit lost (and alone), I was committed to trusting myself to find the wisdom I was seeking and not go down the diet-culture path of nonsense, that I spent years recovering from. On my first call with Marissa, I knew she was my guide. Her grounded and soulful energy (plus her expansive education) has made me feel safe and excited to discover how Ayurveda could not only heal my body but continue the journey of healing my spirit from years of abuse and restriction."
Angela Parker
Founder of AMP Tribe
"Marissa’s style of coaching put me at ease. Learning about Ayurveda and how to personalize it to my crazy busy schedule of being a mom and working full time, has been life changing. After working with Marissa, my vertigo is non-existent, I no longer have heartburn, my digestion has significantly improved, and I am able to concentrate for longer periods of time. I couldn’t recommend Marissa more!"
Pamela Pernin
Business Resiliency at SCE
"Marissa provided the perfect introduction to Ayurveda. I've always been curious about non-western wellness practices, but didn't know where to start. Marissa's style is incredibly practical and accessible, focused on common sense habits and solutions."
Dan Cardozo
CEO of Ethix Merch