Who Am I?
My name is Marissa Alfano and I’m a mom (human, dog, & cat), a wife, a social worker, and a good human enthusiast. I’ve been a licensed and practicing social worker in the state of Michigan since I graduated with my master’s from Wayne State University in 2021. Prior to that, during my undergraduate and graduate studies, I worked as a behavior technician, trainer, and a BCaBA practicum student for an autism Center that provided Applied Behavior Analysis therapy. I have spent 6 years combined as a school social worker in both the general and special education settings. I decided to begin my own private practice so I could spend an equal amount of time being a member of my own family as I being a social worker.
My educational journey included concentration areas of Applied Behavioral Analysis and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. However, I think that equally as important to my areas of study are the human connections and experiences I have had along the way. I have been fortunate enough to have worked in a variety of locations including but not limited to Detroit, Warren, Sterling Heights, Howell, and Brighton. To work in a wide array of locations has allowed me the opportunity to work with individuals and families from a plethora of backgrounds, financial standings , cultures, religions, and races. The bottom line is I’m human and I understand what it’s like to be a human. I will not judge your child’s behavior, your response to that behavior, or the mess that gets in between. I’m here to listen and I’m here to help. At Peas in a Pod…
We’re In This Together
Who Are You?
Whether you are a mom, dad, aunt, uncle, grandparent, foster parent, or any other guardian, you are your child’s expert. Your input and your dedication to therapy isn’t just important, it is required. I can promise I will show up for you, I will listen to you, and I will provide treatment to the best of my professional capacity. I will do my best to make sure the tools and techniques that are taught and utilized during therapy are able to be generalized within your home environment. Parent training on these techniques is an expectation for your child’s treatment. If you do not feel you can dedicate the time and effort that you are expecting of myself and your child, Peas In A Pod is probably not the best therapy option for you. I will be your child’s cheerleader, advocate, and village member, but I will never be their parent. For therapy to be effective, what is taught in session must be reinforced at home. Success does not happen in isolated settings. You are the parent, I am the therapist and…