Karissa Lemme

QPI Contractor

Karissa Lemme joined the Youth Law Center as a Community Voice Advocacy Coordinator in September 2020 and she works to ensure that QPI sites are participating and are encouraged to engage in the work of coparenting. She has a background in teaching special education and offering behavioral therapy to children with special needs. She believes that the role of a resource (foster) parent encompasses caring and supporting the whole family, not just the child in care. As a member of the Birth and Foster Parent Partnership (BFPP), she networks with birth parents and caregivers to brainstorm ways to improve these coparenting relationships. Karissa also works as a foster parent mentor in her home state of California. As a current resource parent, Karissa is able to bring a unique perspective of real-life experience to the table. She works to bring the viewpoint of a caregiver while also encouraging the importance of fostering close relationships with birth parents. Karissa resides in Southern California with her husband and children. She and her family enjoy long days at the beach, bike rides, camping and hiking. Her dream is to one day be out of a job as a resource parent as the system transforms to understand the impact and importance of preventative measures and supporting family togetherness.

Education:

B.S. Brigham Young University, 2007