Marissa Cavallaro

Creative educator, professional artist, children's librarian assistant, author, illustrator, and small business owner with extensive experience designing and delivering educational programming for children and families. Demonstrated expertise in visual arts, curriculum development, public speaking, community outreach, literacy education, social-emotional learning, and arts instruction. Skilled in translating complex concepts into engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences through storytelling, visual arts, music, and hands-on creative activities.

Children's Librarian Assistant - Southeast Steuben County Library

(2024-09)

• Develop and facilitate original educational programs for children of varying ages.
• Design and implement storytimes that integrate literacy, music, movement, and social-emotional learning.
• Visit schools, daycare centers, and community organizations to provide educational outreach programming.
• Utilize guitar, singing, storytelling, and interactive activities to promote early literacy development.
• Collaborate with educators, caregivers, and community partners to support children's educational growth.
• Create learning experiences aligned with developmental and educational objectives.

Art Teacher/Teaching Assistant - Chemung Valley Montessori School

(2022 - 2024)

• Planned and delivered visual arts instruction for students using hands-on, student-centered learning approaches consistent with Montessori educational philosophy.
• Introduced students to artistic concepts including color theory, composition, drawing, painting, mixed media, and creative expression.
• Developed age-appropriate art projects that encouraged creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and fine motor skill development.
• Adapted instruction to accommodate different learning styles, abilities, and developmental levels.
• Managed classroom activities and maintained a positive learning environment that fostered student engagement and artistic confidence.
• Assessed student progress through observation, project completion, and individual feedback.
• Integrated cross-curricular learning opportunities through visual arts activities.

Business Owner and Creative Director - Art From Mars

(2022)

• Hired by the Summer Learning Collaborative Program nationwide to create a pattern for a summer reading theme.
• Design, produce, market, and sell original artwork and handcrafted crochet creations.
• Develop educational content demonstrating artistic techniques and creative processes.
• Manage business operations including budgeting, inventory, customer relations, and marketing.
• Create instructional materials and tutorials related to fiber arts and artistic techniques.
• Engage with diverse audiences through social media, public events, and vendor markets.
• Apply principles of design, color theory, composition, and artistic expression across multiple mediums.
• Creating products that promote social-emotional and mental health wellbeing in children and adults.

Musician and Children's Performer - Doc Possum Band

(2016)

• Performed educational and interactive musical programs for children at schools, libraries, festivals, and community events.
• Used music as a tool to promote engagement, participation, creativity, and learning.
• Developed skills in public speaking, audience engagement, performance-based instruction, and group facilitation.
• Collaborated with fellow performers to create age-appropriate educational entertainment experiences.
• Adapted performances to meet the developmental needs and interests of diverse audiences.
• Supported literacy, movement, rhythm, and social interaction through music-based programming.

Author and Illustrator - Independent Publishing

• Authored and illustrated children's books focused on emotional development, resilience, and social-emotional learning.
• Designed educational content that supports literacy development and emotional awareness.
• Integrated visual storytelling techniques with educational objectives.
• Conducted independent research on child development, literacy engagement, and age-appropriate instructional strategies.

Teaching Assistant – Special Education Summer School Program - Corning Painted-Post Area School District

(2022 - 2022)

• Assisted classroom teachers in supporting students with diverse learning, behavioral, developmental, and educational needs.
• Worked directly with students in both individual and small-group settings to reinforce academic and social-emotional learning objectives.
• Helped implement accommodations and instructional modifications designed to support student success.
• Assisted with classroom management, behavior support strategies, and daily routines.
• Fostered a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for students with varying abilities.
• Collaborated with teachers and educational staff to monitor student progress and participation.
• Developed practical understanding of differentiated instruction, individualized learning approaches, and special education practices.
• Supported students in building independence, communication skills, confidence, and positive peer interactions.