Since moving to Kingston in 2014 with her husband, Marissa has contributed her time and expertise to community matters. In addition to serving on Kingston's Landmarks Commission, she has been a volunteer adviser for the Reher Center for Immigrant Culture & History in the Rondout, helping guide to completion a significant capital improvement project. She has given numerous public talks locally on preservation and historic rehabilitation tax credits, and has been a reliable source for information for homeowners. 

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Her work as an independent historic preservation consultant has involved the careful study and analysis of large historic neighborhoods in Harlem, Troy, Newburgh, and elsewhere. This work expanded her understanding of how communities suffer when governments dismiss residents' insights and contributions. Effective representatives lead with their ears.

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Marissa and her husband are small-scale housing providers, equitably managing five rental units and a commercial storefront in Midtown Kingston. They recognize the importance of providing safe and secure homes for their tenants, which means being responsive and fair. 

 

Marissa is the proud mother of four-year-old twin daughters who will be entering public elementary school in fall 2025.