A Little Bit About Me

Hi! I’m thrilled with this next chapter of my life!!!!

Quick background…I taught 7th grade for 3 years, then got married…2 years later started the mom journey and had 4 kids in 4 ½ years! My biggest dream in life was to be a mom, so I was thrilled.

However…being a parent is “not boring”, as I like to say. My husband worked long hours and I took care of the home and the kids. It was filled with amazing moments…and not so amazing moments. I WOULD NOT CHANGE ANY OF THOSE MOMENTS FOR THE WORLD.

Now my kids are grown…ages 24-29 and I have 3 grandkids!!! (all under 1 ½ years old!) I have a strong feeling there will be quite a few more!

BUT!!!! They all left to create their own lives and my biggest question of the day was, “Will my husband have dinner at home tonight and what should I make?” It hit me…this is it???

That’s what prompted the change. I decided I needed a new chapter. BEST DECISION I EVER MADE!!! I enrolled in a Masters Degree Program in Happiness Studies with the world renowned Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar. I studied to become a Kaiut yoga teacher under the great Fransisco Kaiut and Yvonne Mosner. I became certified as a health coach from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. I was determined to “be more”. I will be starting my Phd under Professor Tall this month!!!

These studies have lead me to go back to teaching…what I’ve always been passionate about!

Every gathering I host is about community. Every workshop I teach includes making new connections and I share tools that I know will help you.

JOIN ME!!! xoxo

Kind Words

“Although I don't consider myself someone who struggles to find happiness, I believe it's something we should all intentionally nurture. Just as we continue learning and growing in our careers and relationships, we can also benefit from new tools and perspectives that help us cultivate gratitude and joy.

Marisa's Happiness Workshops created a welcoming, no-pressure environment to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters. Through thoughtful exercises, meaningful conversations, and practical tools, she encouraged us to look at our lives with greater intention. I appreciated not only what Marisa taught, but also the opportunity to learn from the experiences and perspectives of others.

In today's busy world, it's easy to lose sight of the good that already surrounds us. Happiness isn't simply something we stumble upon, it's something we intentionally cultivate. Marisa's workshops reminded me that by reflecting, and practicing gratitude, we can create more happiness in our everyday lives.

I left each session feeling even more appreciative of my life and the people in it. I'm grateful to Marisa for creating such a thoughtful experience and for sharing practical tools that help us cultivate more happiness within ourselves and those around us.

I am honored to have been part of Marisa's Happiness Workshops and look forward to participating again.

Thank you, Marisa!”

-Brigitte dePagter Kusuno

Telluride, CO