ABOUT CARISSA

I grew up as a Preacher’s Kid in a Christ‑centered home where I was introduced to the Bible and the importance of a relationship with Jesus at an early age. I accepted Christ as my Savior at the age of five and surrendered to ministry at twelve. Throughout my junior high, high school, and college years, I remained active in church and continued to grow in my faith.

In 2001, I began working for the Special School District in St. Louis, Missouri, where I was trained as an ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Therapist and worked with children with autism. In 2002, I moved to Bermuda to work with a family who had three autistic children. While there, I met my husband, Graeme, and we were married in 2003. We are blessed with two children, Zoe and Jackson.

Our family began attending Riverview in 2004. In 2009, I felt God’s leading and stepped into the role of Preschool Director. During that season, using Psalm 78: 4-8 God shaped my heart and clarified my calling to Children’s Ministry. In 2014, I began serving as the Children’s Minister. In 2022, I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Southern Nazarene University in Family Studies and Gerontology.

I have a deep passion for helping children come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and believe it is the church’s role to partner with parents as they disciple their children toward a lasting relationship with Him. In my free time, I enjoy reading, watching softball—especially my OU Sooners—and playing pickleball.