Transforming Vision into Action.

One teacher at a time.

I’ve been challenging the status quo my entire life.

From questioning outdated practices to standing up when others stayed silent, I’ve always seen the cracks—not just in the system, but in the unwritten rules that keep people stuck. And I refuse to play along. These cracks aren’t just flaws; they’re where compliance, conformity, and burnout take root.

But my story didn’t start with burnout. It started with breaking the mold.

I dropped out of high school when the system failed me. But I fought my way back as a single mother and first-generation college student, determined to become the teacher I never had.

Fueled by purpose, I led systems-level change across classrooms, campuses, and communities, driven by a vision to reimagine education from the inside out.

But no matter how much I gave, the truth remained: I couldn’t fix a broken system. So after nearly two decades in education, I made another bold move.

I said no more to living in burnout and walked away to create a life on my terms, building a successful education consulting business.

That same energy is what I bring into my coaching today. I don’t believe you’re stuck or starting over. I help educators break the rules that are keeping them burned out and build careers where they actually thrive.

Carissa standing against wall looking out window

Hey, I'm Carissa.

A former teacher, school leader, and hiring manager turned certified career coach. I help burned-out educators leave the system and land careers with more money, more impact, and way more freedom.

After nearly two decades in educational leadership, I learned the hard way that no amount of dedication can fix a broken system. I've watched too many talented educators lose themselves trying to hold everything together. Sacrificing their health, their families, and their lives for a system that refuses to change.

That's not sustainable. And you already know that.

Most educators are told to update their resume and apply more. Then they end up stuck, spinning their wheels, and burning even more energy in the process. We do things differently here. We start with clarity so every step you take actually moves you toward your goals. Whether that's corporate, edtech, nonprofit, or something you haven't even considered yet. The goal is always values-aligned work that pays you what you DESERVE.

That's why I created Rise, a highly personalized career coaching experience built for educators who are done settling and ready to raise their standards.

I've walked this path. I know what it feels like to be stuck, overwhelmed, and undervalued. I also know that change is possible. It starts the moment you decide you deserve better.

Ready when you are.

Check out the Program

Core Beliefs

  • Your background is not something to downplay. It is your greatest asset. The skills you’ve built managing complexity, solving problems, and leading through challenges are deeply valuable beyond education. When positioned clearly, your experience becomes your edge.

  • Your work should be a reflection of your values, not just a paycheck. True fulfillment comes when your career aligns with your purpose. When you step into work that honors your strengths and fuels your impact, you create a ripple effect in the world around you.

  • Burnout is not a prerequisite for impact. Lasting career change starts with restoring your energy, clarity, and confidence. When you are grounded and supported, you make better decisions, show up stronger, and create opportunities from alignment, not exhaustion.

  • Without clarity, even the best strategies fall flat. When you understand your strengths, direction, and value, everything moves faster. You stop spinning your wheels and start taking focused, intentional action that leads to real results.