CITT News

There is no way to fully comprehend all that Marisa Eide does for CITT. While Marisa’s official job title is Assistant to the Executive Director, she is so much more. Like our Research Assistants like to say, Marisa is the glue that holds the Center together. From regularly coordinating with external partners and handling payroll, to being the smiling face that greets everyone who enters the office, Marisa keeps the office running smoothly. She makes every staff member instantly feel part of the team from the first day that they arrive. While the physical CITT office has mostly been vacant for the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Center and its members continue to thrive through the daily functions executed by Marisa. The CITT editorial team recently sat down with Marisa to learn more about her and the many hats she wears.

Setting the Stage with BECA
"Born and raised in Long Beach, I still live here close to the University with my husband, Scott—an acupuncturist—and our two children, Luke (9) and Leah (7). Before joining CITT in 2015, I worked for 15 years with children with autism at a company named BECA, Behavioral Education for Children with Autism. I started there when I was just 22 years old and found right away that I was a natural for that challenge. I started as an instructional aide, but quickly moved up the ladder to the demanding position of Field Trainer/Scheduler. My time there really set the stage for my transition to CITT, as I learned to handle many different things at one time and to prioritize. I will be forever grateful for the knowledge that I gained working there."

Busy and Bustling
"A typical week as the Assistant to the Executive Director is definitely lively! I not only manage the Executive Director’s calendar (and Tom O’Brien is a very busy man), but I also manage the calendars for many others in our office—and we are a bustling organization. There are times that I have five calendars open all at once, and it can look very overwhelming! Some of my other responsibilities include handling a complex twice-a-month payroll for our department; arranging complex travel plans, itineraries, and appointments; and completing related authorizations and reimbursements—all while I’m also answering our main line and greeting people when they come in our office door."

"As the liaison with the college, campus partners, and the Center's advisory committee, I communicate directly on issues related to administration, logistics, travel, and any other activities including meeting schedules, locations and agendas; and handle meeting minutes and hospitality needs. Most of these responsibilities continue through the pandemic and can be basically handled in a work-from-home situation; but travel and hospitality, of course, have been put on hold."

The Welcoming Face
"I love that when we are in the office, I am the face that everyone sees when they walk through the door. I hope that I make people feel comfortable and welcome."

Breaking Down Fears
"My confidence—I feel so much more comfortable in front of big groups of people than I did when I first started. I have worked hard to overcome my fears. And to add one more, I am proud that I am successful at successfully juggling all that is 'thrown' at me."

“Let Your Personality Shine”
"Organizational skills are a must! Prioritizing your responsibilities and delegating when necessary are super important. Let your personality shine."