She earned her undergraduate degree at Rutgers University and M.Div. at Princeton Theological Seminary. Larissa's ministry started with a pastoral residency program at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. It was there that she learned and practiced the importance of active listening and reflection during moments of trauma and transition. She then moved to Chicago to serve a congregation three blocks from Wrigley Field. Her main responsibilities included overseeing a Friday evening program for at risk LGBTQ youth and the young adult ministries of the church. Larissa has since served congregations in New Jersey and Queens, NY. She has also served as the Director of Church Relations at Princeton Theological Seminary.