Marissa was born and raised in San Diego, California. Her mother worked in a bank and her father worked as sound technician at the Old Globe Theater. She has one younger brother. She always knew she wanted to be an actress and convinced her parents let her attend S.C.P.A. (The San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts) Upon graduation, she enrolled as a theater major at San Diego State University. It was there that she performed in the debut production "Kentucky Cycle" in the role of young Mary Ann. She moved to Los Angeles after landing the role of "Becky Moore" on the CBS daytime drama "The Bold and the Beautiful." She was nominated for a Soap Opera Digest Award in the "Best Newcomer" category. From there she went on to CBS's prime time comedy "Baby Bob." Where she played "Teela" the baby sitter.