About Marissa

Marissa is a Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist with a doctorate in Special Education and a specialization in literacy and dyslexia. She combines extensive classroom experience, advanced academic training, and national literacy leadership to provide highly personalized, evidence-based support for students with reading challenges.

As a former special education teacher and literacy interventionist, Marissa understands firsthand the academic and emotional impact of reading difficulties on children and their families. Her approach is structured, supportive, and individualized—designed not only to strengthen reading skills, but also to build confidence, resilience, and independence.

In addition to her private practice, Marissa serves as a specialist with the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI), partnering with school districts nationwide to support the implementation of research-based literacy instruction. She also teaches in the University of Florida’s Dyslexia Certificate Program and is a part-time instructor at Boston University, where she prepares future educators in evidence-based special education practices. Marissa presents at national conferences and coaches educators in delivering effective literacy interventions.

Families who work with Marissa receive expert, research-driven intervention paired with attentive, individualized care to produce meaningful, lasting literacy outcomes. Through a structured, nurturing approach, students not only develop essential reading skills but also gain the confidence and independence to thrive academically and beyond.

Education

Doctor of Education in Special Education

  • Specialization: Literacy & Dyslexia

  • Dissertation: Unfolding Narratives: Caregivers’ Perceptions of Literacy Acquisition in Children with Reading Disabilities

Master of Education in Special Education

  • Specialization: Moderate Disabilities

Courses Taught

University of Florida Dyslexia Certificate Program: Graduate

  • Foundations of Literacy Development and Dyslexia, 3 credit hours

  • Teacher Coach for Practicum in Dyslexia Assessment & Intervention, 3 credit hours


Boston University: Graduate

  • Introduction to Special Education, 4 credit hours

  • Early Childhood Special Education: Policy and Practice, 2 credit hours

  • Program Supervisor for students in Moderate Disabilities Practicum, 3 credit hours

Framingham State University: Graduate

  • Practicum in Moderate Disabilities PreK-8 with Seminar, 3 credit hours

  • Practicum in Moderate Disabilities 5-12 with Seminar, 3 credit hours

Framingham State University: Undergraduate

  • Inclusive Practices for Students with Disabilities with Pre-Practicum I, 3 credit hours

  • Elementary Curriculum: Special Needs with Pre-Practicum III, 4 credit hours

  • Early Childhood Curriculum: Special Needs with Pre-Practicum III, 4 credit hours

  • Practicum in Early Childhood Education with Seminar, 3 credit hours

  • Practicum in Elementary Education with Seminar, 3 credit hours

ChileMass Teachers Program Boston

  • An interactive program designed to transfer the best educational practices between the United States and Chile

  • Designed and implemented a four-seminar training on Universal Design for Learning for Chilean educators, in collaboration with Framingham Public Schools

Lesley University: Threshold Program

  • Early Childhood Development

  • Early Childhood Field Placement Seminar

Presentations

  • Piligian, M. R. (2025, October 13). Caregivers’ perceptions of literacy acquisition in children with reading disabilities [Conference presentation]. TED Teacher Education Division, Kansas City, MO, United States.

  • Piligian, M. R. (2022). Ask the Expert: What is dyslexia and its earliest indicators? What can be done to support? YouTube. Chris Walsh Center. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYSpVS3T8m0

Service

Advisory Board Member

  • Chris Walsh Center at Framingham State University, 2022-2023

  • A community-based center dedicated to helping families and educators of children with unmet needs

  • Coordinated communication in Massachusetts Metrowest schools to identify unmet needs and assisted in organizing an informational speaker series and webinars

Advising

Framingham State University

  • Elementary Education Independent Study in Inclusive Practices

  • Elementary Education Honors Program course in Inclusive Practices

Lesley University

  • Early Childhood Studies Threshold Program

“Marissa was our tutor for our daughter for many years, and it was a wonderful experience. She was professional, prepared, and incredibly thoughtful with our daughter. She gave our daughter the tools and confidence to grow, and our daughter often said, “Marissa has the key to unlock my brain!” She knew exactly how to teach the material in a way that she would understand and was incredibly patient, thorough, and also fun! It was a sad day when we parted ways with Marissa, but also magical as our daughter was now thriving in school. We highly recommend Marissa to anyone looking for a tutor for their child. She is truly the best of the best! Anyone would be lucky to have her.”