Northwood Spotlight: Marissa McGrath

ELD (English Language Development) Para
in Multilingual Support Services

Where are you originally from and what brought you to Mercer Island schools?

I grew up in the Renton Highlands and graduated from Hazen High School. I have my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Bellevue College and my Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities and English Literature from the University of Washington. I’ve recently moved back to the Seattle area after living in Rome, Italy for the past eight years teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) to both Early English Learners and Business Professionals. 

What grade/area do you teach/support and how long have you been in education?

I support K-5 in their English Language Development skills (reading, writing, math & speaking). I have been teaching English language lessons professionally for seven years, but I have been in the education field as a preschool teacher and K-12 tutor for eleven years collectively. 

What is your favorite sport or hobby to do when you are not at school?

I love watching and playing sports, mostly soccer (European football) or American football. I love eating Mexican food and drinking margaritas!

Where is your favorite place to vacation?

The Amalfi Coast, Sardinia and Puglia. 

What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

White water rafting down the Wenatchee River…twice, and hang-sliding. Although, I would also like to try extreme ziplining and possibly also skydiving.  

What are some small things that make your day better?

Coffee…coffee…and a breakfast burrito.  

If you had the day to yourself, how would you spend it?

I would most likely stay in bed eating sushi or Thai food and binge watching something amazing on Netflix. 

Tell us about your immediate family and pets. 

My husband, Luca, is Italian. He was born and raised in Rome, Italy and was a Special Education Paraeducator there for over 20 years. My son, Lorenzo, is a 5th grader at Northwood and is obsessed with the Premier League and World Cup. We also have a 3-month puppy named Lady. She’s a Cocker Spaniel and loves to eat shoes… 

What is your favorite band or artist to listen to?

Right now, I’m very much into Lil Nas X, The Kid Laroi, Post Malone and Doja Cat. 

Is there a skill you would like to master?

Cooking. I’m not very good at cooking. 

If money were no object, what is something you would buy or somewhere you would go?

I would buy a small Caribbean Island, a medium size sailboat and sail around the world. 

What is something you’ve been meaning to try, but haven’t gotten around to it?

Ballroom Dancing, Kickboxing and hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (except I don’t like hiking…or camping). 

December 2022