Clarissa has been training capoeira Angola for over a decade, but has used movement as expression and for fitness for much of her life (e.g., as a cheerleader, stepper, dancer). For several years, she was also a performer and choreographer for a DC-based theatre group, of which she was a co-founder (Wild Women Theatre, formerly The Saartjie Project). Currently, Clarissa is a research analyst at a MD-based research firm, where much of her work centers on K-12 education and equitable opportunities for students. She has also been a mentor and tutor to middle and high school youth throughout the DMV. She currently resides in Virginia with her partner, Jonal, and 3 daughters.
