Marissa has been one of the nurses assigned to our mother, who has been in the neuro surgical ICU. Throughout her time in the ICU, Mom has received exceptional care from the whole nursing staff, but especially Marissa. We have built a trusting relationship with Marissa and rely on her to help us understand what procedures and other tasks are used in a specialized ICU. She explains medical terms so families can easily understand what is happening to their loved one. She has also been an exceptional advocate for our mom to the medical team that is treating her and has listened to our concerns and questions with grace and professionalism. She empathizes with us, and we feel like we are not just another family in the ICU. She helps us feel safe, heard, and valued. She gives extra care to our mom and gives our mom the dignity she deserves. She takes special care with our mom and makes sure every one of her needs is met, including things like making sure her lips are moisturized. She calls our mom "gorgeous" to make her feel beautiful in a vulnerable situation. She even sings to her while doing a task to lessen our mom's anxiety about what is happening. Our situation has been a scary one, and Marissa has been a very calming, caring, and professional presence for us.