Meet Larissa Johnson
Larissa Johnson is a Home-Based Caseworker with Amani's Family Support Program. Larissa has worked at Amani for a little over 3 years and believes that "life is so much fuller and more fun with multicultural community!"
What inspired you to join the team here?
I really love working with this demographic and always have. I’ve been lucky enough to grow up around a lot of international students, living with my family and hanging out for weekly gatherings in our home. I spent the summers when I was 8, 10, and 12 living in China. These experiences deeply enriched my life and made me who I am. I love interacting with people from other cultures and learning from each other.
What does Mental Health Awareness mean to you?
It’s the fuel that keeps us going! It’s empowering to be aware of one’s internal world and have the tools to stay grounded when life gets messy. I view mental health awareness as a community action to keep everyone safe. Tending to our nervous systems benefits the collective by creating resilient individuals who can be strong and present members of the community.
What should community members know about Amani and what we do?
We offer immigration legal services, group support classes for adults and children, mental health counseling services, and so much more. I’m very proud of all that Amani offers to the community!
What is something surprising that not many people know about you?
I love to build gingerbread projects for competitions. My mom and I enter a contest at the History Center every year around Christmas time. We started when I was a kid and it’s become a tradition. Some of my favorites over the years are Sesame Street, the Wizard of Oz, the Very Hungry Caterpillar, and the Zesto ice cream shop in town.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I have to say the staff potlucks are my favorite part. Nothing beats the food that comes together from all the cultures represented at Amani. Last Thanksgiving’s highlights included samosas and choco flan. Sometimes a sweet coworker decides to bless us with Chinese dumplings, Filipino pancit, Honduran ceviche, or Burmese samosas at the office on a random Tuesday. Food sharing is always a treat around here.
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