About Carisa

Carisa Heiss joined Children at Risk in January of 2021 as a Major Gifts Officer. Carisa works to bring awareness of Children at Risk’s mission, research, and advocacy work to the San Antonio area and surrounding communities. She brings over twenty years of nonprofit fundraising experience to the organization, as well as a passion for youth-related causes.

Previously, Heiss served as the Chief Development Officer at Rise Recovery, Director of Development at San Antonio Sports, the Development Director at the Barshop Jewish Community Center of San Antonio and the JCC Maccabi Games Director, among other roles in the local nonprofit community. Carisa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Trinity University in San Antonio. Immediately following college, Carisa spent four years in Washington, DC.

When she’s not working, Carisa enjoys spending time with her husband, Joshua, and their two children. A ten-time half marathon finisher, she is training to complete her eleventh half. She enjoys live music and takes every opportunity to see Willie Nelson in concert. During basketball season, Carisa enjoys cheering for her favorite team, the San Antonio Spurs.