Prior to joining Schuler, Merissa worked as an arts education administrator, curriculum writer and educator for over 25 years. She started her career as a Teaching Artist through the Arts Bridge program at UCLA, where she earned a BA and MA in Theatre. After serving as an educator and teacher trainer in the Peace Corps, Thailand, she relocated to Chicago from her home state of California. Merissa also served as the Education Director at Lifeline Theatre for 1 season and Adventure Stage Chicago for 6 seasons, helping bring theater to students all over Chicago.

Merissa enjoys singing alto with the Edgewater Singers and spending time in her art studio working on mosaics and painting. She is the co-founder of the former Chicago Arts Educator Forum and a proud member of the Arts Ed Chi collective. In her free time, she loves to travel and make art with her two kids.