Charissa has worked as a Paralegal for Guyton Thuente P.A. since 2008 and enjoys working closely with our attorneys and clients on employment-based nonimmigrant and immigrant visas, and on family-based cases.  She gained experience as a paralegal in the areas of Patent law, Social Security Disability law and Commercial Real Estate law before finding her professional home in Immigration law  at GTPA.  Before shifting gears to paralegal work, Charissa worked for 18 years as a freelance documentary photographer, and prints from some of her personal projects still hang in our offices.

As a Sansei Japanese American and grandchild of immigrants, Charissa feels a kinship with all our clients. “It is my privilege to do what I can to help each of our clients through the constantly shifting U.S. immigration system, and hopefully offer some peace of mind to them, their families, and their community.”

Charissa loves movie popcorn and a great movie to go with it. She also enjoys long bike rides, and sharing adventures with her wife and family and friends. 

Education

Paralegal Certificate, Hamline University, Saint Paul, MN

Master of Arts, Journalism, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN

Bachelor of Arts, English, Lawrence University, Appleton, WI

Professional Associations

Paralegal membership—American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)