Welcome! My name is Carissa Criss, and I’m proud to serve as a school counselor and media arts teacher here at Norris Middle School.

With over 12 years of experience as a high school counselor and nearly three years working with middle school students, I bring a deep passion for supporting students through some of the most formative years of their lives. My goal is to help each student feel seen, supported, and equipped to thrive—both emotionally and academically.

In addition to counseling, I teach two periods of Media Arts. My love for visual storytelling began as a professional photographer, a career I still pursue in my free time. This creative background inspired me to return to school to earn my Career Technical Education (CTE) credential, allowing me to bring real-world industry experience into the classroom. I believe in teaching students not only how to express themselves creatively, but also how to develop valuable, transferable skills that can open doors in their future careers.

Whether it’s through one-on-one counseling or guiding students through creative projects, I’m committed to helping youth grow in confidence, resilience, and purpose. I truly believe that nurturing both mental wellness and career readiness sets our students up for lifelong success.

I’m so excited to be part of your child’s journey this year!