The path of Marissa Haugh, based in Oceanport, New Jersey, shows how a life of education and service can evolve into one of personal leadership in health and wellness. Her career is not limited to one field; it has stretched across early childhood education, child life services in medical settings, and fitness and nutrition coaching. Each chapter of her life has been shaped by a desire to improve the lives of others, whether children in classrooms, families in hospitals, or adults seeking healthier habits.

Education as a Foundation

Marissa’s story begins in Athens, Greece, where she was born before her family relocated to New England. Even during her youth, she displayed a strong interest in supporting the development of children. This led her to study Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Rhode Island, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree. The program helped her understand individual and family well-being across the stages of life.

Her education did not stop there. In 2001, she completed a Certificate in Fine Arts and Foundation at Parsons’ School of Design, reflecting her creative side. In 2003, she completed her Master of Science in Child Life from Bank Street College, a program that trained her in therapeutic support for children and families. She also pursued a Master’s in Fine Arts, demonstrating her ability to merge creative learning with clinical practice.

Early Work and Teaching Roles

Marissa’s professional journey began with hands-on work. During her college years, she became a daycare leader, learning to manage the needs of young children. She later joined Talbot Perkins Children’s Services in Brooklyn as a caseworker, gaining experience supporting adoption and foster care.

She also served as Lead Camp Counselor at Epiphany Nursery School Camp, developing art and cooking projects while managing classroom routines. 1998 she became Head Teacher at Trevor Day School in New York City. This role placed her in charge of classroom activities, student assessments, and ensuring that teaching strategies matched the needs of each child. These early experiences shaped her skills in patience, creativity, and adaptability.

Clinical Work as a Child Life Specialist

With advanced education behind her, Marissa moved into hospital-based roles. In 2003, she became a Child Life Specialist at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York. There, she worked with children facing illnesses such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, asthma, HIV/AIDS, and transplants. Her role required her to provide therapeutic interventions, offering emotional support to children and families during treatment.

She later joined Monmouth Medical Center in New Jersey as an Early Intervention Developmental Specialist. This role involved working with infants and toddlers with developmental delays up to three years old. She aimed to improve developmental outcomes and family well-being through multidisciplinary assessments and family-centered interventions. Since 2001, she has been an active member of the Child Life Council, showing her long-term dedication to this field.

Fitness and Nutrition Coaching

After years of dedication to child life services, Marissa expanded her career to include fitness and nutrition. 2017 she earned her Certificate in Fitness and Nutrition from the Academy of Sports Medicine. With this, she launched her FIT, FULL, AND FOCUSED business in Oceanport, New Jersey.

As a Fitness and Nutrition Coach, she works with clients to improve their health through structured plans. She reviews their medical conditions, eating habits, and activity levels to create personalized programs. Her approach emphasizes education, teaching clients about ingredient choices, meal preparation, and the importance of balanced nutrition. She focuses on long-term habits, showing clients how to replace unhealthy behaviors with practical and sustainable routines.

Personal Commitments

Marissa has also embraced personal challenges in fitness. She has participated in marathons, CrossFit competitions, a Tough Mudder, and Spartan races. These accomplishments show her discipline and give her a real-world understanding of the effort required to achieve demanding physical goals.

Her personal life also reflects her values. After many years of study and work, she briefly became a stay-at-home mother, taking pride in supporting her family while balancing her professional journey.

Continuing Her Work

Marissa Haugh has remained committed to growth, care, and health through each career stage. From classrooms to hospitals and now through her coaching business, she has built a career rooted in service. Her story demonstrates how education and personal dedication can create a lasting impact. Moving forward, she continues to use her experience to guide others toward healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Whole Life Approach: How Holistic Health Transforms Mind, Body, and Family Wellness

Published on:11/07/2025

 

Health is often misunderstood as simply the absence of illness or physical symptoms. While conventional medicine plays a vital role in addressing disease, it usually overlooks the broader picture of wellness. Holistic health, on the other hand, emphasizes the interconnected nature of the mind, body, and family. It views wellness as a balanced state in which physical vitality, emotional stability, and strong family relationships support one another. By embracing a holistic lifestyle, individuals can experience a more profound, more sustainable sense of well-being that extends to their loved ones.

Holistic Health: A Comprehensive Perspective

Holistic health is a philosophy that recognizes the human body, mind, and social environment as interdependent and interconnected. Instead of treating isolated symptoms, it addresses the root causes of imbalance and fosters long-term wellness. This approach incorporates physical care, mental and emotional awareness, and nurturing relationships within the family. When one area of life is neglected, it can disrupt overall balance, which is why holistic health emphasizes the importance of integrated care.

The approach also highlights the powerful connection between mental and physical health. Chronic stress, anxiety, or unresolved emotional issues can manifest as fatigue, headaches, or other physical problems. Similarly, poor physical health can affect mood, focus, and emotional resilience. Holistic health encourages awareness of these links, promoting strategies that support the entire system for lasting results.

Mental and Emotional Wellness

Mental wellness is a key pillar of holistic health. Practices such as meditation, mindfulness, journaling, and therapy help individuals build resilience and emotional awareness. Prioritizing mental health enables individuals to manage stress more effectively, make informed decisions, and foster healthier relationships. Emotional wellness is not only vital for the individual but also has a profound impact on family dynamics.

The emotional state of their caregivers has a profound impact on children and other family members. When adults model self-care, stress management, and healthy emotional expression, children adopt similar habits. This creates a supportive family environment that encourages empathy, patience, and mutual respect. Strong emotional foundations in families contribute to better communication, fewer conflicts, and a sense of security that benefits every member.

Physical Wellness as a Foundation

Physical health is more than regular exercise and balanced nutrition. Holistic practices focus on movement that feels enjoyable and restorative, such as yoga, tai chi, swimming, or walking in nature. Nutrition is approached mindfully, emphasizing foods that provide energy, support immunity, and enhance long-term vitality. Sleep and rest are equally important, as they allow the body and mind to recover, maintain balance, and function optimally.

When families adopt physical wellness practices together, it strengthens bonds and encourages a shared commitment to health. Engaging in activities as a unit promotes consistency, motivation, and accountability among team members. Physical well-being in a holistic framework is about creating sustainable habits that contribute to lifelong vitality rather than seeking temporary fixes.

The Role of Family in Holistic Health

Family wellness is a central component of holistic health. A nurturing family environment provides emotional support, reduces stress, and encourages positive lifestyle choices. Holistic health recognizes that family dynamics, shared routines, and social connections often influence individual well-being.

Spending quality time together, maintaining open communication, and supporting one another emotionally are essential for fostering family wellness. Families that prioritize holistic health tend to make healthier choices collectively, whether it is through shared meals, physical activities, or mindful relaxation practices. Emotional and physical wellness within the family creates a foundation for long-term resilience and overall life satisfaction.

Integrating Holistic Health into Daily Life

Incorporating holistic health principles into everyday routines does not require significant changes. Mindful choices, consistent self-care, and family involvement can make a meaningful impact. Paying attention to the body’s signals, managing stress effectively, and fostering emotional awareness are all essential steps. Small but consistent actions, such as regular movement, balanced meals, or moments of mindfulness, contribute to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Family-oriented practices can include shared meals, outdoor activities, or simple rituals that encourage connection and well-being. These practices reinforce healthy habits and create a sense of togetherness that strengthens emotional bonds. Holistic health is about creating a lifestyle that supports the long-term vitality of both the individual and the family unit.

Long-Term Benefits of Holistic Health

Embracing holistic health has wide-reaching benefits. Individuals experience improved energy, emotional stability, and stronger resilience against stress and illness. Children raised in holistic environments are more likely to develop self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and lifelong healthy habits. Families benefit from enhanced communication, stronger emotional bonds, and shared wellness routines that create a supportive home environment.

Ultimately, holistic health is about viewing well-being as a dynamic interplay between mind, body, and family. It emphasizes proactive care, awareness, and intentional choices, providing a foundation for a more balanced, harmonious life. In a world where stress, disconnection, and chronic illness are everyday realities, holistic health offers a meaningful pathway to long-term vitality and emotional fulfillment.

Holistic health matters because it treats the person as a whole, rather than addressing individual problems in isolation. By nurturing mental, physical, and family wellness, individuals can cultivate resilience, balance, and meaningful connections. Integrating holistic practices into daily life supports sustainable well-being and creates a nurturing environment for loved ones. Choosing holistic health is not just a personal decision but a commitment to fostering a healthier, more connected, and vibrant life for the entire family.

Healthy Habits Start at Home: Simple Ways Parents Can Lead by Example

Published on:10/15/25

Children are always watching. Whether we realize it or not, the way we eat, move, rest, and handle emotions leaves lasting impressions. Parents don’t have to be fitness gurus or nutrition experts to shape their kids’ lifestyles—they just need to live intentionally. Here’s how real families can model healthy living, including honest errors, everyday adjustments, and inspiring breakthroughs.

1. Everyday Choices Speak Louder Than Instructions

Kids quickly notice when words don’t match actions. Saying “eat your veggies” while reaching for chips sends a mixed message. A stronger approach is quietly modeling the behavior you hope to see. For example, if you regularly choose a colorful salad for lunch and genuinely enjoy it, children will become curious and more likely to try it themselves.

Small, repeated actions—like drinking water instead of soda, or packing balanced snacks—teach far more effectively than lectures ever could.

2. Turning Mistakes into Teachable Moments

Perfection isn’t required; honesty is. When parents make less healthy choices, acknowledging them out loud creates powerful learning opportunities. You might say, “I grabbed fast food because I was rushed. Next time, I’ll keep something quick at home so we don’t have to do that.”

This kind of openness helps kids understand that health isn’t about flawless behavior—it’s about awareness and growth. Mistakes become stepping stones instead of guilt traps.

3. Making Movement a Shared Adventure

Exercise doesn’t need to be formal or expensive to matter. In fact, children are more likely to enjoy physical activity when it feels like play. Instead of disappearing to the gym, parents can bring their kids into the action: weekend hikes, living room dance-offs, playing tag in the yard, or simply walking to the park after dinner.

When movement is fun and shared, kids associate it with joy, not obligation. Over time, they may begin suggesting these activities themselves—a clear sign that habits are sinking in.

4. Consistency Builds Comfort

Children thrive on routines they can trust. Predictable mealtimes, regular bedtimes, and designated “no screen” periods create a rhythm that supports physical and emotional well-being. For example, having a consistent family breakfast—even something simple like oatmeal or smoothies—sets a positive tone for the day.

When parents stick to these routines, kids learn that health isn’t just a once-in-a-while thing. It’s a dependable part of everyday life.

5. Letting Kids Participate in Real Decisions

Healthy habits grow stronger when kids feel ownership. Involve them in grocery shopping, let them pick one new fruit or vegetable to try each week, or brainstorm together about after-school snacks. Even small decisions give them agency and build confidence.

For example, if mornings are chaotic, ask, “What would make breakfast easier for you?” Their answers might surprise you—and often lead to practical solutions everyone can live with.

6. Emotional Well-Being Counts, Too

Healthy living isn’t only about food and fitness. Emotional resilience is just as important. Parents can model this by naming their feelings, handling stress visibly, and practicing self-care. Saying “I’m frustrated, so I’m going to take a short walk to calm down” shows kids that emotions are manageable and not something to hide.

This kind of modeling helps children develop emotional vocabulary and healthier coping mechanisms—skills that last a lifetime.

7. Showing Balance Instead of Extremes

Kids can pick up on all-or-nothing attitudes. If “healthy” becomes synonymous with rigid rules—no sweets ever, mandatory daily workouts—it can backfire. Instead, demonstrate balance: enjoy a slice of cake at a celebration, then follow it with nourishing meals and active play the rest of the week.

Showing kids that treats can coexist with healthy habits teaches moderation naturally, without fear or shame.

8. Celebrating Small Wins Together

Acknowledging progress keeps motivation alive. Celebrate when your family finishes a week of nightly walks, tries a new vegetable, or establishes a calmer bedtime routine. A simple “I love how we’ve all been moving more together—it feels great” can go a long way.

Celebration doesn’t need to mean rewards or prizes. Warm acknowledgment and shared pride are powerful motivators for kids and adults alike.

Final Thoughts: Your Everyday Example Matters

Children don’t need perfect parents—they need present, intentional ones. When you model healthy choices with honesty, consistency, and joy, you give your kids a living example they can carry into adulthood. Every shared meal, walk, and honest conversation adds up to a lifestyle that feels natural, not forced.

Beyond the Finish Line: How Distance Running and Obstacle Races Teach Resilience

Published on: 10/07/2025

Life doesn’t always go as planned. Whether it’s a missed opportunity, a personal challenge, or an unexpected hurdle, setbacks are inevitable. Distance running and obstacle races, although physically demanding, offer a unique training ground for navigating life’s challenges. Every mile run, every wall climbed, and every muddy trench crossed teaches lessons about perseverance, strategy, and mental toughness. For runners and participants of obstacle races, these challenges become metaphors for real-world struggles, helping them develop resilience, patience, and confidence that extend far beyond the finish line.

Starting Small: The Power of Incremental Progress

Distance running teaches a simple but profound lesson: progress comes one step at a time. Beginners rarely sprint a marathon on their first attempt. Instead, they start with short runs, gradually building endurance. The same principle applies to obstacle races, where participants might first practice climbing ropes or navigating walls before tackling a full course. This incremental approach emphasizes that setbacks are not failures—they are part of a learning curve. By focusing on small, achievable goals, runners and racers develop patience, self-discipline, and the understanding that even minor improvements accumulate into major successes over time.

Embracing Physical Discomfort as Growth

Distance running and obstacle courses push the body in ways that often feel uncomfortable. Muscles ache, lungs burn, and fatigue sets in. Yet, it is within this discomfort that growth occurs. Athletes learn to push through temporary pain, focusing on the goal rather than the immediate challenge. This ability to tolerate discomfort translates to life outside the course. Facing deadlines, navigating conflict, or adapting to change often requires similar perseverance. By learning to endure and manage physical stress in a controlled environment, runners cultivate mental resilience that equips them to handle life’s more challenging moments with composure and determination.

Learning From Mistakes and Failed Attempts

No race is perfect. Perhaps a runner miscalculates pace or slips during an obstacle. Each mistake provides critical feedback, teaching what works and what doesn’t. The key is reflection: understanding how to adjust strategy, improve technique, or modify training routines to achieve optimal results. This mindset transforms setbacks from discouragement into opportunities for learning. Life mirrors this principle: failures and missteps are not dead ends, but lessons that inform future decisions. Distance running and obstacle racing show participants that setbacks are temporary and instructive, reinforcing the importance of persistence and self-compassion in both athletic and personal growth.

Mental Toughness: Cultivating Focus and Determination

Physical strength alone isn’t enough to complete a distance run or navigate a challenging obstacle course. Mental toughness is equally essential. Runners practice quieting negative thoughts, focusing on breathing, and breaking the course into manageable segments. Obstacle racers visualize completing each challenge, anticipating difficulty, and preparing solutions in advance. These mental strategies strengthen problem-solving and focus, skills that carry over into daily life. Learning to control mindset and remain determined in the face of difficulty fosters resilience, helping individuals approach setbacks not with fear, but with confidence and clarity.

Building Community and Support Networks

Distance running and obstacle races are often solitary pursuits, but community plays a critical role. Training groups, running clubs, and race-day supporters provide encouragement, advice, and accountability. Sharing experiences with others who face similar challenges teaches empathy and reinforces perseverance. Witnessing peers overcome obstacles inspires participants to keep moving forward. Similarly, in life, setbacks are easier to navigate when one has a strong support network. The camaraderie found in athletic communities reinforces that no challenge needs to be faced alone, and that seeking support is a sign of strength rather than weakness.

Celebrating Milestones and Personal Victories

Reaching a personal best, completing a tough race, or conquering an obstacle brings a sense of accomplishment that reinforces confidence. Distance running and obstacle courses teach participants to celebrate incremental victories, not just the finish line. Recognizing progress—like running an extra mile or climbing a challenging wall—builds motivation and self-esteem. These celebrations reinforce a growth mindset, reminding individuals that effort, persistence, and resilience are as important as the outcome. Translating this to life, acknowledging small wins helps maintain momentum and reinforces the belief that setbacks are temporary, not permanent barriers.

Adapting to Unexpected Challenges

Obstacle races, by nature, are unpredictable. Mud, rain, or unanticipated barriers require flexibility and adaptability. Distance running, too, presents surprises: changing terrain, weather conditions, or fatigue. Learning to adapt under pressure teaches participants that rigid plans rarely succeed. Flexibility and problem-solving become key survival tools, both on the course and in life. Experiencing uncertainty in a structured environment equips individuals with confidence to pivot, adjust strategies, and keep moving forward when life presents unexpected obstacles, turning unpredictability into opportunity.

Carrying Lessons Beyond the Race

The benefits of distance running and obstacle races extend far beyond physical fitness. Participants emerge stronger, more confident, and equipped with practical strategies to handle life’s setbacks. Lessons of patience, perseverance, adaptability, and mental toughness translate into personal and professional contexts. Each race becomes a metaphor for life: challenges will arise, mistakes may happen, and progress may feel slow—but resilience and determination pave the way to success. By embracing the principles learned in the course, individuals cultivate a mindset that sees setbacks not as failures, but as stepping stones to growth, achievement, and personal fulfillment.

How Physical Fitness Shapes Confidence in Children’s Development

Published on: 09/30/2025 

Physical fitness is often associated with building strength, improving cardiovascular health, and enhancing overall well-being; however, its impact on children’s confidence is equally significant. Confidence is a crucial component of a child’s development, influencing their social interactions, academic achievements, and ability to handle challenges. Through physical activities such as sports, exercise routines, or even just outdoor play, children learn not only to strengthen their bodies but also to build the inner strength that boosts their self-esteem and confidence. When children feel confident in their physical abilities, that confidence can translate into other areas of life, supporting their emotional and social development.

The Power of Exercise in Enhancing Self-Esteem

One of the most significant ways physical fitness impacts confidence is by directly boosting self-esteem. When children participate in regular physical activities, they experience small victories, such as improving their performance or mastering new skills, which help build their self-confidence. Whether it's learning a new sport, hitting a personal best in running, or simply completing a challenging workout, each achievement helps children feel more capable and proud of themselves.

These moments of success, big or small, reinforce a child’s self-worth and foster a positive self-image. As children see their abilities improve over time, they feel more confident in their physical and mental capabilities. Additionally, exercise teaches children the value of persistence and hard work, as they realize that success doesn’t come instantly but through continuous effort and determination. This understanding helps children develop a sense of pride in themselves, further boosting their self-esteem.

Emotional Benefits of Physical Activity

Exercise not only strengthens the body but also has a positive impact on a child's emotional well-being. Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins—natural chemicals that make children feel happier and less stressed. Regular participation in bodily exercise helps children manage anxiety, depression, and frustration, promoting emotional resilience. By experiencing these positive emotional effects, children feel more at ease with themselves and their emotions, which supports their confidence and sense of self-worth.

Additionally, physical activity helps children develop better emotional regulation skills. Through exercise, they learn to manage feelings of frustration, disappointment, and even failure in a healthy manner. Physical activities, such as team sports or individual challenges, require children to work through discomfort and learn to persevere despite setbacks. This ability to persevere through challenges helps children feel more emotionally grounded and capable of managing difficult emotions, which further enhances their self-esteem and confidence in their ability to cope with life’s ups and downs.

The Impact of Social Interaction and Teamwork

Physical fitness plays a crucial role in developing social skills and enhancing social confidence. When children participate in group sports or team activities, they develop essential social skills, including communication, cooperation, and teamwork. These skills are invaluable for building relationships and navigating social situations with ease. As children engage in these activities, they often form friendships and develop a sense of belonging, which increases their confidence in social settings.

Participating in group sports also teaches children how to work together toward common goals, which can increase their sense of achievement and confidence. The sense of camaraderie and mutual support in team settings allows children to feel part of something greater than themselves, boosting their confidence and sense of worth. Additionally, being part of a team helps children develop an understanding of shared success, reinforcing their belief in their ability to contribute meaningfully to a group, which builds social confidence.

Building a Positive Body Image

One of the most impactful ways exercise boosts confidence is by fostering a positive body image. Physical activity helps children develop strength, flexibility, and endurance, which naturally makes them feel more confident in their bodies. As children engage in exercise, they begin to focus on what their bodies can achieve rather than just how they look. This shift in focus from appearance to function helps children appreciate their bodies for what they can do, which is crucial for developing a positive self-image.

When children improve their physical abilities through exercise, whether it’s by becoming stronger, faster, or more coordinated, they experience a sense of accomplishment that translates into greater body confidence. Physical fitness encourages children to take pride in their bodies and care for them, which improves their overall self-esteem. As children become more confident in their physical abilities, they begin to feel more comfortable and empowered in their own skin, leading to a healthier and more positive body image.

Long-Term Confidence Benefits from Regular Exercise

The connection between physical fitness and confidence extends beyond childhood. The habits that children form through exercise—such as persistence, self-discipline, and resilience—have lifelong benefits for their emotional and social well-being. As children grow into adolescence and adulthood, the confidence built through physical activity continues to influence how they approach challenges, relationships, and their overall sense of self-worth.

Exercise not only shapes physical fitness but also contributes to lifelong mental and emotional health. Regular exercise has been shown to enhance mental clarity, reduce stress, and increase overall happiness, all of which contribute to maintaining a high level of confidence and resilience throughout life. By encouraging children to stay active from an early age, parents can help them develop the confidence and emotional strength they need to navigate life's challenges, both now and in the future.