Maryssa Mitsch

Maryssa Mitsch is an Associate Professor of Early Childhood Special Education at San Francisco State University. Her work focuses on inclusive practices, social-emotional development in young children with disabilities, family-teacher partnerships, and teacher preparation. She has published extensively on early intervention strategies, family engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration in early childhood education.

• Ph.D., Special Education, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (2017)
• M.Ed., Early Childhood Special Education, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (2011)
• B.A., Elementary Education, University of South Carolina (2009)

Her research emphasizes promoting equity through teacher training, social skills interventions, and anti-bias curriculum development. She has secured over $2.5 million in federal grants, including Project ARISE and Project GROW, to advance inclusion in early childhood settings. Her collaborations span special education and social work disciplines.

Mitsch’s recent publications highlight trends in inclusive teacher education, family systems integration, and social-emotional intervention frameworks. Her work bridges academic research with practical applications for educators.

• Project ARISE (2022–2026), U.S. Department of Education ($1.1M)
• Project GROW (2019–2024), U.S. Department of Education ($1.25M)
• Project EXAMINE (2021–2022), HEERF-RSCA ($15,001)
• Larsen-Lam Mini-Grant (2019–2020), SFSU ($7,100)
• Project CIRCLE (2018–2019), U.S. Department of Education ($1.25M)