Yearbooks, Business, and Dogs (OH MY!) A Conversation with Marissa Dunn

Marissa Dunn is a lot of things. She is a high school business teacher, a librarian, and a yearbook advisor— which is, frankly, an underwhelming title for an overwhelming role. Think: human embodiment of a Swiss Army knife or Leatherman pliers but with hydraulic power, laser guides, and transformer-like versatility. She is also someone who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis during her first year of teaching, but who has found a professional community of support and a life’s work in teaching that she absolutely loves. Oh, and she’s a dog rescuer. But, again, picture the most committed dog rescuer you’ve ever met, then equip them with hydraulics and lasers. Yep, that’s Marissa. In my brief engagement with her for this episode, what I discovered is that she brings something very special to everything she does. In part, it’s her energy, but it’s more than calories expended or mental wattage put on display; it’s about her passion and her intensity and how she focuses both on the things that matter. And, to her, that’s kids and dogs. I like that about her, and I found it an honor to get to know her a bit during our interview. You may already know what I’ve just discovered, about Marissa Dunn but, if not, give a listen. She’s making Vandalia a better place.