About Marissa
Marissa Mirecki is the Program Lead for UX Research in the User Experience and User Research Program at Shepherd Center’s Virginia C. Crawford Research Institute. Since joining Shepherd in 2018, she has led report writing, participant recruitment, and data collection, and has ensured compliance with regulatory and ethical standards for both commercially and federally funded studies. Her dual expertise in clinical care and research allows her to approach accessibility user research with a uniquely compassionate and implementation-focused lens. Marissa completed her doctoral training at Valdosta State University and her clinical training at Thomas Jefferson University.
Research specialties
- User-centered research
- Usability and accessibility of technology
- Professional development in working professionals
Education & training
- Ed.D., Adult and Career Education – Valdosta State University, 2025
- M.S., Occupational Therapy – Thomas Jefferson University, 2018
- B.A., Psychology – Bryn Mawr College, 2016
Why her work matters
Marissa’s background as an occupational therapist ensures that the whole person is considered, including the varied contexts a person may find themselves in. Her understanding of changes in a person’s abilities over the lifespan and in diverse environmental contexts ensures that her findings are holistic and comprehensive.
Beyond Shepherd
Outside of her work at Shepherd Center, Marissa serves as Chair of the Communication Committee for the Georgia Occupational Therapy Association, helping to bring practice advisories to occupational therapists across the state.
