Welcome to our AmeriCorps Youth Program Specialist, Marissa Collins

Marissa was born in Bellingham, lived in California for six years, then moved back to Washington, where she has been since. She graduated high school in Tumwater, earned her Associate’s transfer degree from South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia, and finally came back to Bellingham to earn her Bachelor's degree from Western in 2016, graduating in June 2019 (pictured). She majored in Psychology, with a minor in Biology, and is passionate about helping people and the environment in any way she can.

Marissa heard about the DRC through a professor at Western, and was intrigued to learn about an organization with a focus on healthy, collaborative, and creative conflict resolution in a variety of settings. As she has always been highly dedicated to education, she was especially grateful for the opportunity to work with the Youth Program at the DRC. She looks forward to working in classrooms and helping youth throughout Whatcom County develop interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.

When she is not working, Marissa enjoys reading fantasy novels, cross-stitching, taking walks through nature, watching movies, and cooking. She especially appreciates the close proximity to lush, natural beauty that Bellingham offers, but loves all of Washington’s beauty and loves to go hiking and camping in the warmer months. She also has a ball python named Salazar."