Karen Carrillo, founder of the nonprofit A Sisters Legacy, has dedicated her life to supporting women and caregivers, an effort deeply influenced by her late sister, Marissa. Marissa, who had cerebral palsy and microcephaly, shaped Carrillo’s perspective on love, worth, and resilience.
“Growing up with her was unique,” Carrillo recalls. “She was fully dependent on others for her physical needs.” Despite the challenges, Marissa left an indelible mark on Carrillo, teaching her that “every person is inherently worthy of love, simply by existing.” This lesson became the cornerstone of Carrillo’s nonprofit, named in Marissa’s honor.
While Marissa endured numerous surgeries and medical challenges, there were still moments of joy. “As she got older, I noticed what I think were signs of depression or trauma from the numerous surgeries,” Carrillo reflects. Still, Marissa had moments of laughter that Carrillo remembers fondly. “Those moments were some of the best,” she says, recalling her sister’s curious, happy demeanor.
Although Carrillo initially sought to distance herself from caregiving, having lived it with Marissa, her perspective changed during a summer job at Camp Summit, a camp for people with disabilities where Marissa had attended. “I realized how genuine the love and connection from people with disabilities is,” she says, crediting that experience for transforming her career aspirations.
Carrillo eventually pursued a career in social work, earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Despite working in hospice care and managing a senior home care franchise, it wasn’t until she founded A Sisters Legacy in 2021 and began clinical therapy that she found her true calling. “I started doing therapy seriously around spring 2022,” she explains, focusing on women dealing with anxiety, depression, and trauma.
To ensure that therapy remained accessible, Carrillo began selling handmade jewelry and hosting community events. The idea for the jewelry initiative arose when she stumbled upon DIY earring kits. “I made them, and my friends loved them. They started donating, and the idea grew from there,” she says. What began as a small project has since expanded into a therapeutic outlet for both Carrillo and her community.
“Making jewelry became a way for me to channel my energy, especially after hearing heavy stories during therapy sessions,” Carrillo explains. Jewelry-making has also become an integral part of the nonprofit’s mental health events. During these gatherings, participants discuss topics like stress management while creating art. “One of my clients made a bracelet with the word ‘confident,’ and that became her focus in therapy. It’s such a powerful tool for healing,” Carrillo notes.
While 2023 was a banner year for the nonprofit, raising over $100,000 and providing more than 545 therapy sessions, Carrillo has learned to adjust her expectations for the current year. “This year, we’ll be lucky to raise $70,000, and that’s okay,” she says. She’s also shifted her focus from quantity to quality. “Initially, I thought I’d aim for 750 sessions, but I’ve learned to focus on providing the best care possible for the people we serve rather than stretching myself too thin.”
Carrillo has also realized the importance of self-care, especially when faced with personal challenges. “I’ve had to learn how to say no, which is difficult because I genuinely want to help everyone. But if I don’t take care of myself, I won’t be able to help anyone in the long run,” she reflects.
One of the most exciting developments in Carrillo’s practice is her recent training in Brainspotting, a therapeutic technique aimed at helping clients process trauma. “It’s similar to EMDR, but in my opinion, it’s even more effective,” she says. Carrillo completed two phases of training in 2023 and has already seen transformative results, including in her own healing journey.
“I processed trauma out loud in front of over 20 therapists, and after that session, I had immediate pain relief and haven’t had to take any pain medication for my back since then,” she explains. “Brainspotting helps connect that intellectual understanding with the emotional and physical sensations, allowing for deeper healing.”
Carrillo plans to become fully certified in Brainspotting by the end of the year, allowing her to offer this powerful tool to more clients.
Looking ahead, Carrillo is excited about upcoming events, including attending the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Texas Chapter conference in November and a give-back night hosted by Bar Louie. She’s also embracing a more flexible and community-based approach to therapy, having recently closed her office to work from home, where she meets clients—and her Golden Retriever—regularly.
“I’ve embraced the idea that I don’t have to conform to traditional standards to be a good therapist,” she says. “I don’t need an office, a buttoned-up shirt, or to look a certain way. There are many ways to be effective, and I’m working on the fringes, which I love.”
For those looking to support A Sisters Legacy, Carrillo encourages community involvement through donations, event participation, or simply sharing their mission on social media. “We reuse and repurpose donated jewelry for our community programs, and every little bit helps,” she says. With North Texas Giving Day approaching, Carrillo remains optimistic about the future. “I have this ‘two fish and five loaves’ mentality—like when Jesus fed 5,000 people with very little. I can do a lot with very little, and every donation helps us create meaningful change in the community.”
