Carissa Carroll ’03 named Alumna of the Year for the College of Arts & Sciences

For Carissa Carroll ’03, the birth of her son Jack—and his Down syndrome diagnosis—changed her life in ways she couldn’t possibly imagine. Along with bringing Jack into her family, it reshaped Carroll’s calling and sparked a mission to provide hope for others.

“When I feared that the world wouldn’t accept him because he’s different, I was reminded that this baby is fearfully and wonderfully made,” Carroll says. This planted the seed for Jack’s Basket, a nonprofit organization designed to support families facing similar challenges. Early on, Carroll found comfort in connecting with a Bethel friend who shared her experience. “Connecting with other parents who have children with Down syndrome showed me that the joy far outweighs the hard times,” she says. Motivated to spread this hope, Carroll started her mission with a simple gesture: delivering baskets with informational brochures and encouraging letters to new families receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis. “Hearing the positive result of a family who got that basket inspired me to do more,” she says.

Carroll began visiting hospitals in the Twin Cities, advocating for better family support and gaining media attention. By the end of 2016, Jack’s Basket had become a formal nonprofit. “We provide hope, connection, and resources to families and address biases in healthcare,” Carroll says. “Every baby deserves to be welcomed and celebrated.” The nonprofit expanded nationally in 2019 and globally, serving its 10,000th baby this year.

Carroll, a former physical education major at Bethel, stays connected to the university through friends and family, including her husband Christopher Carroll ’04, an associate professor of applied health sciences. “Bethel’s emphasis on serving others aligns perfectly with our mission,” she adds. “The relationships and values I gained at Bethel have shaped my approach to this work.” Carroll’s vision for the future of Jack’s Basket is to educate providers and ensure families receive support. “I understand that not all audiences will be receptive to the message that these babies are God's masterpiece, but ultimately, God has given me a voice to communicate this message in a way that it’s going to be received.”

Bethel honors outstanding alumni each year through the Alumnus/Alumna of the Year Awards and 4 Under 40 Alumni Achievement Award. If you know an incredible alum who deserves to be recognized, let us know! Nominations are accepted year-round.

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