Carissa grew up in the San Diego area before earning her Bachelor’s degree in Business Communication with a minor in Psychology from Baruch College. Living and working in New York City inspirited her love for diversity, equity and inclusion. Her professional marketing resume includes experience with Hearst Magazines, ABC News Charleston, Greek sorority and fraternity licensing, among others.

Familiar with the potential for risk from broken families, she was called to serve young adults as a high school teacher and coach. Driven by purpose, Carissa earned her Master’s Degree in Teaching from the University of Southern California.

She found home in Wilson County with her husband, where they welcomed their son in 2021. God then intervened with a wonderful opportunity to work from home, allowing her to nurture both her career and family, with a leadership position at an out-of-state law firm.

Yet, Carissa’s heart for service called once more. After helping to establish a non-profit for the firm’s community outreach, she was humbled when she found an opportunity with Rest Stop Ministries. She recognized it as God’s plan through a lifetime of preparation to serve survivors of human trafficking and exploitation. 

Carissa is inspired by what is to come for Rest Stop Ministries, utilizing her leadership, operational, marketing, and HR skills and experiences to uplift and empower others.

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