Marisa's love for the culinary arts began at a very early age watching her Greek grandmother cooking in the kitchen and preparing delicious dishes for the family. As she grew up, Marisa decided to pursue a full-time career in the culinary arts and enrolled at the prestigious C.C.A culinary institute where she earned a baking degree.

Marisa thrives on usually being the only woman in the kitchen and loves when people underestimate her. Not worried about being pigeonholed as a pastry chef, she is convinced she will bring a completely different look and taste to the competition. She has been a competitive athlete her whole life and still competes in swimming matches across the nation.