Marissa Bennett (She, Her, Hers)

Want to honor this person? Make a donation to JUF in recognition of this 36 Under 36 honoree. This year, thanks to The Hineini Initiative, all 36 Under 36 donations will be matched⁠—doubling your impact! DONATE NOW

Marissa's passion for bringing Applied Behavior Analysis to kids on the autism spectrum and beyond prompted her to start her own business, Marissa Bennett Consulting , to help all students have access to learning. She now employs 15 therapists and will soon open a clinic in Northbrook. Prior to this work, she volunteered for the Global Autism Project, trained locals in Jakarta, Indonesia to provide ABA services, and spoke at international conventions.

During the pandemic, she created innovative study systems for at home learning, partnered with Jewish day schools to share classroom management techniques, helped develop individualized education plans to keep students learning, and provided both virtual and safe in-person therapy.

In the Jewish community, Marissa is about to complete her third year of her board term at Am Yisrael in Northfield, where she has executed several fundraisers and will be serving as the secretary on the executive board next year.

AGE:
32

PRIMARY GIG:
Mother of an amazing toddler, Wife, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Owner of Marissa Bennett Consulting

ON THE SIDE:
Mother to Chandler Bing (Wheaten Terrier) and Victor Ola’ Tortoise (Russian Tortoise)

CELEBRITY DOPPELGANGER:
If I had my dream actress play me in a movie it would be Sandra Bullock because she knows how to not take herself too seriously, kick butt, and have fun.

A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
My grandparents Milt and Florence Schwartz (z”l) inspired me in a million ways. They inspired me by telling stories of our family’s history. They inspired me to be a business owner with passion, empathy, and drive, just as they ran their business Schwartz’s Intimate Apparel. They inspired me with the joy of Jewish tradition and how Judaism not only brings fun and celebration but also strength to conquer anything.

WHAT IS YOUR NEWFOUND PANDEMIC TALENT OR HOBBY:
Kayaking