Larissa began her dance training at the age of three in Eugene, Oregon. After high school, she auditioned for Paradosi Ballet Company and became the ministry’s first Trainee. During her time in the program, she was mentored by Paradosi’s founder, Tennille Carver, who nurtured her spiritual growth and development as an artist and leader.

From 2011 to 2021, Larissa served as a dancer with Paradosi before stepping away from the stage to devote herself fully to leadership. Over the years, she has served in many key roles, including Company Artist, Trainee Director, Discipleship Director, and Choreographer. Today, she serves as the Artistic Director of both Paradosi Ballet Company and Surrendered School of Dance.

Larissa is an American Ballet Theatre® Certified Teacher in the ABT® National Training Curriculum and holds Level 1, 2, and 3 certifications in Progressing Ballet Technique® (PBT). She has also completed the Boston Ballet Adaptive Dance Teacher Training Program, equipping her to serve dancers of all abilities with compassion and excellence.

Her heart as a leader is to love and encourage the dancers in her care, helping each one grow in confidence, skill, and faith. She is passionate about drawing out the unique gifts God has placed in each dancer and equipping them to share the hope of Jesus through the arts.

In addition to her leadership role, Larissa has been a dedicated ballet instructor since 2012, teaching weekly classes, leading master classes across the U.S. and Europe, and teaching ballet in the public school system at Orting High School.