Marisa was born and raised in West Orange, New Jersey. She attended West Orange High School where she graduated from in June 1992. Marisa eventually went on to attend some college, but due to financial reasons and life-changing circumstances, she was not able to finish. She currently lives in the Greater New York area. Marisa enjoys music, scrapbooking, exercising and spending time with friends. Her love of helping others came after she found herself in an abusive marriage. Marisa vowed to take her pain and turn it around so she can help other women in similar circumstances. Marisa believes in “beauty from ashes”.