Rissa Cares
Supporting children and families through trauma
Understanding Childhood Trauma and Its Effects
Explore the impact of childhood trauma on emotional and mental health. Gain insight into recovery pathways for children and families.
About Rissa Cares
Trauma Trainings
Rissa Cares is a Black-owned, community-centered organization offering culturally responsive, trauma-informed services led by Nerissa and her experienced BIPOC team. Their work is grounded in up-to-date research, community insight, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by marginalized populations.
Customized, professional development sessions for educators, school staff, student groups, youth care workers, and community organizations. These trainings are built on current research and community-informed data, delivered through a culturally competent BIPOC lens. Topics include trauma awareness, healing strategies, and peer-to-peer support models. Trainings are available in three languages.
Creating Safe Spaces for Healing
Soulful Sessions
Learn about the importance of safe environments in supporting recovery. Our programs are designed to foster growth and resilience.
Offered in packages of three, these sessions provide individuals and families with guided support, healing tools, and space for reflection.
Understanding Childhood Trauma
At Rissa Cares LLC, we provide insights and understanding of childhood trauma to support healing.
Meet the Team:
Nerissa:
Founder of Rissa Cares
Nerissa brings over 30 years of dedicated service to her community through her work with children, families, educators, and organizations. Her experience spans teaching, volunteering, health advocacy, research, and direct care. A proud Worcester, MA native, Nerissa is raising her family in the very city where her journey began.
Despite facing significant challenges and systemic barriers, Nerissa pursued and achieved higher education, becoming the most academically accomplished among her mother’s eight children and her father’s three. Today, she is recognized as an expert in her field, drawing from a deep well of professional knowledge, lived experience, and a powerful skill set. Her personal healing journey inspired the creation of Rissa Cares, a community-rooted initiative focused on trauma-informed care and intergenerational healing.
Nerissa is a firm believer in the power of positive thinking. She finds joy in baking, nurturing her grandchildren, and empowering others to break cycles of intergenerational trauma. Her motto: “It ran in the family until it ran into me.”
Peter Inotti
Peter Inotti is a retired school teacher, with over 30 years experience working with children and families with special needs in our community. Originally from Kenya, Africa Peter and his family speak multiple languages and are all dedicated to serving our community. He is a celebrated asset to Autism Theraputic Services.
Diogenito Jorge "DJ"
DJ is a proud husband and new father who has been working in our community since age 15. DJ is a certified Bi-Langual Community Health Worker, Recovery Coach, and Resilience Navigator. In his spare time he coaches basketball and football toat-risk youth in our community