AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator, AASECT Approved CE Provider
Marissa Pangle combines lived experience as an autistic adult with nearly twenty years of professional work in the disability field. Diagnosed with autism at 33 and raised alongside triplet brothers with disabilities, she understands disability from personal, family, and professional perspectives. Since 2015, she has worked in Medicaid Waiver behavior support, giving her sustained insight into how services and systems affect autonomy, communication, relationships, and daily life.
Her expertise brings together behavior support, sexuality education, and individualized learning. She holds a master’s degree in behavior analysis and is currently completing her dissertation for a PhD in Clinical Sexology. Marissa is an AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator and AASECT Approved Continuing Education Provider. This interdisciplinary foundation allows her to make complex topics clear, concrete, and relevant to everyday life.
As the founder of Independent Pathways, Marissa develops education, curricula, consultation, and professional training grounded in access, autonomy, dignity, and informed choice. Her approach challenges infantilization and expectations based primarily on diagnosis by focusing on the whole person. She believes disabled people deserve accurate information and practical knowledge they can use to make decisions about their own lives.
AASECT Certified Sexual Educator
AASECT Approved Continuing Education Provider
MSTI Certified Sexual Educator
Founder of Divergent Dating
Founder of Independent Pathways
Creator of Life, My Way Curriculum
Clinical Supervisor at Elite Behavioral Services
Driver of Innovative Service and Implementation Award Winner (December 2024)
Masters Degree in Behavior Analysis
Over 10 Years of Experience as a Behavior Clinician and Advocate
"Marissa Pangle is a remarkable behavior therapy expert whose combination of expertise, empathy, and personalized care has transformed the lives of many individuals. Whether you are seeking support for anxiety, depression, or behavioral challenges, Marissa's guidance is invaluable, and her passion for helping others shines through in every session. Highly recommended!"
"Marissa Pangle is one of the most dedicated and hard-working individuals in her field. She is extremely knowledgeable and has much life experience, both as a neurodivergent person and assisting those who are neurodivergent. Marissa possesses only what I can describe as a superpower, to fight for, defend, assist and empower individuals whose voices get lost in a neurotypical world."
"Marissa has been a godsend for my daughter. She knows how to relate with people who are on the spectrum. She has went and sat through many IEP meetings and knows how to make sure the schools were following the IEP’s guidelines. She has helped me understand what supports are out there for people to utilize. I have always told people that everyone needs a Marissa. I have soo much gratitude for her support and passion for her work. She is truly amazing. I thank God everyday for all she has done for my daughter."
"Marissa has so much compassion and dedication in the autism community. With an amazing ability to see what other providers overlook, she always advocates for those who need it most. Her unwavering commitment to prioritizing the needs, rights, and voices of her clients ensures that they receive the care and respect they truly deserve. She is not just a clinician, but a force for positive change in the field, an incredible advocate, and an inspiration to all who work alongside her."
"I have worked with her for a good while she is a very compassionate person she care deeply for anybody she works with I miss working with her! Marissa was always there when she is needed no matter what time or day it is. Her client she worked with cared about her so much he worried everyday about her if she had to call off that is the kind of person she is. When a client worries that much about you, you know she is a good hearted person."
"Marissa is one of those rare people who leaves everyone better than she found them. She brings wisdom, warmth, and authenticity to every interaction, and her presence alone uplifts those around her. A master of her craft, Marissa approaches everything she does with care, integrity, and an unmistakable passion for growth—both her own and that of others. Whether in her personal life or professional endeavors, people are truly better off for having known her."
"Marissa just gets it. Somehow she is always able to find a way to understand and help clients when everyone else has given up. I have never met anyone like her. She's awesome."