Marissa Haugh
Marissa Haugh
Owner of FIT, FULL AND FOCUSED
Owner of FIT, FULL AND FOCUSED
For Marissa Haugh of Oceanport, New Jersey, a lifelong dedication to service has defined her career. From her earliest work with children to her present role as a fitness and nutrition coach, she has consistently sought ways to improve lives. Her journey is not one of a single profession but a collection of experiences—teaching, healthcare, advocacy, and coaching—that together show her commitment to growth, health, and well-being.
Marissa was born in Athens, Greece, and later raised in New England after her family relocated. As a young student, she found herself most inspired by the well-being of children and families. This early interest led her to study Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Rhode Island, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree.
Education remained a defining thread in her life. In 2001, she obtained a Certificate in Fine Arts and Foundation at Parsons’ School of Design, blending her interest in creativity with her growing professional knowledge. By 2003, she had completed a Master of Science in Child Life at Bank Street College, equipping her with therapeutic and clinical training to support children in times of medical and emotional crisis. She also earned a Master’s in Fine Arts, a qualification that further broadened her ability to integrate creativity into her work.
Even before finishing her degrees, Marissa worked in environments where she could put her skills into practice. She began as a daycare leader and became a caseworker for Talbot Perkins Children’s Services in Brooklyn, a nonprofit dedicated to adoption and foster care. These early experiences allowed her to see the challenges facing children and families and confirmed her decision to pursue a career rooted in care and support.
Her experience expanded when she became the Lead Camp Counselor at Epiphany Nursery School Camp. In that role, she created activities such as art and cooking projects while overseeing the daily needs of her classroom. Later, she stepped into a formal teaching role at Trevor Day School in New York City as Head Teacher in 1998. There, she guided classroom activities, assessed student needs, and ensured that teaching strategies matched individual learning styles.
After earning her advanced degrees, Marissa began working in hospitals, where her role took on greater responsibility. In 2003, she became a Child Life Specialist at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York. She worked with pediatric patients facing illnesses such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and organ transplants. Her focus was not only on medical care but also on providing emotional and developmental support to children and their families during difficult times.
She later joined Monmouth Medical Center in New Jersey as an Early Intervention Developmental Specialist. This position involved assessments and interventions for infants and toddlers up to three years old with developmental delays. She guided families through support strategies that promoted healthy growth and improvement. Her long-standing membership in the Child Life Council since 2001 reflects her dedication to advocacy in this field.
While her work in child development was central to her career, Marissa also developed a passion for nutrition and fitness. In 2017, she earned a Certificate in Fitness and Nutrition from the Academy of Sports Medicine. With this training, she launched FIT, FULL, AND FOCUSED, her coaching business based in Oceanport.
Her work as a fitness and nutrition coach involves creating personalized meal and exercise plans for her clients. She studies their medical conditions, eating habits, and lifestyle goals to design practical strategies. Her approach emphasizes education, teaching clients how to select ingredients, prepare meals, and maintain sustainable habits. Rather than offering quick fixes, she builds long-term behaviors that lead to healthier lives.
Marissa has always practiced what she teaches. She has participated in multiple marathons, CrossFit competitions, and endurance events such as a Tough Mudder and two Spartan races. These experiences gave her insight into the discipline and resilience required to achieve demanding goals.
Her personal life also reflects her commitment to care. After years of professional service, she once dedicated herself to being a stay-at-home mother, focusing on her family.
Marissa Haugh’s career has followed many paths, but one goal has united them: improving lives through education, health, and support. From her early work in adoption and teaching to her hospital service and now her coaching business, she has demonstrated how learning and service can shape a meaningful life. As she continues her journey, she remains dedicated to helping others find strength, health, and balance in their own lives.