Karissa found her passion for music and theater at the age of 14, performing throughout her state in community and professional productions. A week before graduating high school, she was crowned Miss Maine 2006. Competing in the 2007 Miss America pageant gave Karissa the chance to earn scholarship money for college and to perform her talent on a national level. Within her year of service, the connections she made led her to New York City. In less than three months after she arrived, she booked a principal role in a feature film, became the new face of fashion designer, Laura Dahl's spring collection, and was cast in an original musical - all of which have helped jump-start her career in the entertainment industry.

She was accepted on the spot to attend the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts- School for Film and TV (fall '08).The new face of NYC fashion designer, Laura Dahl's 2008 Spring Collection.Performed alongside four Broadway actresses in the original musical, Hear Our Song. The production benefited the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation and the Rhett Syndrome Foundation.In 2004, she attended the International Model and Talent Convention in New York City, receiving awards in the Sitcom, TV Commercial and Monologue Divisions. Too young to move to LA, she turned down offers to sign with agencies.Crowned Miss Maine just a week before graduating high school, Karissa was the youngest contestant to compete in the 2007 Miss America Pageant, broadcast live on Country Music Television.Miss Maine 2006.