Director of Strategic Advocacy (Government Relations)

• Jul 2019 - Present

Develop strategic objectives for the organization that drive year-round advocacy and support for members, consistent with the goals and objectives of the association’s strategic plan. Build relationships with education stakeholders, lobbyists, and legislators to identify and promote shared policy interests. As a member of the leadership team, contribute to the overall planning and implementation of the organizations' mission, vision, and goals. Oversee all aspects of the branch budget, including development, monitoring, and adjusting, when necessary. Provide leadership and support for the Advocacy Specialist. Provide guidance and support on legislative issues to the Executive Director, other staff and/or interns, as necessary. Develop tools and resources to support member advocacy. Work with the Communication Team to design relevant and engaging resources. Develop and deliver ongoing advocacy workshops at professional learning events. Assist school directors when they testify or meet with legislators in Olympia. Respond to inquiries from school directors, media, and stakeholders about legislation and legislative issues Provide weekly legislative updates for the Legislative Committee and school board Legislative Representatives, during the legislative session. Develop weekly written legislative updates for WSSDA membership that include summary of bills, legislative schedules, and status of key education issues in the legislature during the legislative session. Show less

Director of Operations, Learning and Teaching

• Mar 2016 - Jul 2019

• Provide leadership, guidance, and project management related to the development, revision, adoption, and implementation of the state’s K-12 Learning Standards and guidelines and OSPI-developed assessments • Develop operational systems and supporting resources for division and agency• Build coherence across the Learning and Teaching Division by aligning communication strategies, professional development practices, standards and policy implementation, and instructional materials • Provide oversight and support for work plan implementation and annual budgets in social studies, the arts, health and physical education, sexual health education, and world languages• Lead the agency’s Worksite Wellness Committee• Serve as the OSPI representative on the Washington State Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development; lead the Whole Child Awards promotion, review, and recommendations• Provide professional development statewide to schools on bias-based bullying prevention Show less

Program Supervisor, Health and Physical Education

• Mar 2015 - Mar 2016

The Health and Physical Education Program Supervisor serves a critical role within OSPI by bringing subject-specific expertise and collaboration skills to the OSPI Teaching and Learning Department. As a key member of the Teaching and Learning department, this position consults with and provides technical assistance to OSPI and key statewide partners on all aspects of Health and Physical Education, including sexual health, safety, physical activity, nutrition, substance use prevention, and social/emotional wellness.In this role, Marissa serves school districts, OSPI, policy makers, and the public by providing leadership, guidance, and system-wide support to school districts, schools, informal educators, and statewide stakeholders regarding Health and Physical Education at all grades with the goal of providing support to increase emphasis on the most critical knowledge and skills for educators implementing comprehensive health education programs and instruction. In addition, Marissa works in close collaboration with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), SHAPE WA, and the WSASCD to develop and maintain information for educators and administrators on relevant policies, best practices, and age-appropriate instruction. Show less

Program Supervisor, HIV Prevention and Sexual Health Education

• Nov 2013 - Aug 2015

The HIV and Sexual Health Education Program Supervisor serves a critical role within OSPI by bringing subject-specific expertise and collaboration skills to the OSPI Teaching and Learning Health and Fitness team. As a key member of the Teaching and Learning department, this position consults with and provides technical assistance to OSPI and key statewide partners on all aspects of HIV and sexual health education.In this role, Marissa serves school districts, OSPI, policy makers, and the public by providing leadership, guidance, and system-wide support to school districts, schools, informal educators, and statewide stakeholders regarding HIV and sexual health education at all grades with the goal of providing support to increase emphasis on the most critical knowledge and skills for educators implementing sexual health education programs and the state’s Healthy Youth Act. In addition, Marissa works in close collaboration with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) to develop and maintain information for educators on medically and scientifically accurate sexual health education programs and resources. Show less

Community Outreach Educator

• Aug 2013 - Jan 2014

Design, implement and evaluate community and youth-centered programming promoting seuxal health and human rights. Design, implement and evaluate community and youth-centered programming promoting seuxal health and human rights.

Director of Policy and Programs

• Aug 2012 - Aug 2013

The Director of Policy and Programs develops, implements, and evaluates public health programs designed to improve health behavior among youth and adults. Additionally, the Director maintains oversight for state and federal policies that impact public health and strengthens strategic alliances for health promotion efforts. The Director of Policy and Programs develops, implements, and evaluates public health programs designed to improve health behavior among youth and adults. Additionally, the Director maintains oversight for state and federal policies that impact public health and strengthens strategic alliances for health promotion efforts.

Director, Health and Safety

• May 2007 - Aug 2012

Public Policy Research and Development, Program and Personnel Management, Grant Administration, Health Promotion, Partnerships and Collaborations

Director, Health and Physical Education

• Sep 2005 - May 2007

Planning, Implementation and Evaluation of Programs and Policies; Profesional Development

State Health Program Coordinator

• Jun 2004 - Jul 2005

Planned and facilitated meetings, conferences and workshops on public health issues; organized statewide health fairs; conducted one-on-one health mentoring; designed and distributed health promotion materials Planned and facilitated meetings, conferences and workshops on public health issues; organized statewide health fairs; conducted one-on-one health mentoring; designed and distributed health promotion materials

Education Programs Manager

• May 2003 - May 2004

Staff, volunteer and grant management; curriculum development; youth-focused program facilitation Staff, volunteer and grant management; curriculum development; youth-focused program facilitation

Physical Education Teacher

• Aug 2002 - May 2003

Planned and adapted lesson plans for middle school students on health and fitness related topics; assisted in the revision of the district-wide health curriculum; and collaborated with school staff to provide a safe and effective learning environment Planned and adapted lesson plans for middle school students on health and fitness related topics; assisted in the revision of the district-wide health curriculum; and collaborated with school staff to provide a safe and effective learning environment

Education Program Specialist

• Oct 2001 - Aug 2002

Designed, facilitated, and evaluated professional training and youth programming Designed, facilitated, and evaluated professional training and youth programming

Program Coordinator

• Sep 2000 - Sep 2001

Service-learning; teen parent program development and implementation; grant administration Service-learning; teen parent program development and implementation; grant administration

Student

• 1995 - 1999