About Marisa.
I began my education in healing arts as a teen, learning Reiki in the Usui system from my grandmother & Reiki Master Alice Pierson and some basics of western herbal medicine and wild harvesting from my mother Joani Crosson and a local healer and friend of the family, Peggy Willey. After obtaining a dual degree in Asian Studies and Dance, I knew I needed to continue steering my interests toward the healing arts and looked to where these might intersect. I chose to work for an acupuncturist and health counselor in her community clinic in Vermont.
In my twenties I had many health struggles of my own and herbalism, Reiki, acupuncture, as well as a number of other modalities and deep studies in nutrition and traditional diets were integral in my recovery to full health. I became certified to practice an ear-acupuncture protocol for trauma and addiction (NADA). The acupuncturist and health counselor who ran the clinic I worked at, Didi Pershouse, also taught me a liberation-focused form of peer counseling. After a few years practicing this, I became a certified instructor and taught classes in the community for the next six years or so.
In 2015, toward the end of my time teaching peer counseling, I began my studies in Somatic Experiencing and have been practicing it ever since. I completed my certification and started assisting trainings in 2019. From 2010-2020 my day job was as a classroom language teacher in a boarding school where I was also an advisor and mentor for our students, 16 and 17 year-olds. Coaching and mentoring these students was a real highlight of my ten years at this school.
During this time I also completed three certification courses in western herbalism, Science and Art of Herbalism with Rosemary Gladstar, Wisdom of the Herbs with Annie McLeary, & Local Healers by Sandra Lory with whom I also studied cupping.
Education & Experience
THE GUEST HOUSE
by Jalaluddin Rumi, trans. Coleman Barks
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This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all! Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture, still, treat each guest honorably. He may be clearing you out for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice, meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.