If you’ve landed here—hi, I’m Marissa. Friends call me Riss.
Equal parts dog lover, travel enthusiast, and homebody, I feel most like myself somewhere between faraway places and the quiet corners of home—drawn to cozy rituals, long walks with dogs, and the kind of connections that deepen over time.
From bright game day lights to quiet creative studios, I’ve followed life’s twists and turns with curiosity. The common thread? A deep love for following my heart. From dance auditions to starting businesses to traveling whenever opportunity calls, I tend to make bold moves when something feels aligned.
Much of my career has lived in storytelling, communications, and community—designing publications, planning events, shaping editorial stories, and creating meaningful partnerships. I’ve energized fans in packed stadiums and collaborated with teams behind the scenes. I feel most aligned when I’m bringing people together in ways that feel genuine and lasting. My path hasn’t been linear, but it’s been rich, intentional, and deeply meaningful.
And yet, nothing has shaped me more than being Maddie’s mom. When my dog lost mobility, everything shifted. Maddie softened me, slowed me down, and gave me a whole new way of moving through the world. Caring for her taught me presence, patience, and the quiet power of showing up, day after day.
Staycation Club for Dogs was born from that love—a soft landing for dogs and peace of mind for the people who love them. I care for dogs of all abilities, and when I get to support a paralyzed or a special needs pup, my heart expands.
In many ways, dogs have become a soft landing for me, too. They’ve carried me through some pretty hard seasons and given my life a rhythm—traveling the world, then returning home to care for them. It’s the most meaningful work I’ve ever done. I truly feel like I’ve stepped into my purpose.