I create spacious, grounded, grace-filled places for people to tend to their inner life and thrive from a place of wholeness.

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My Journey to Spiritual Direction

My path to spiritual direction grew out of many years serving as a ministry leader, pastor, and church planter, where I walked closely with people through seasons of growth, struggle, and transformation.

In those roles, I came face to face with both the beauty and the weight of vocational ministry—the constant giving, the responsibility of leadership, and the quiet truth that if I didn’t tend to my own soul, I would eventually run dry. I know what it’s like to pour out for others while quietly needing space to listen, rest, and reconnect with God. Spiritual direction became a lifeline for my own wellbeing. And eventually, that led to me offering that same thing to others.

​How We Can Work Together:

My work is rooted in deep listening, discernment, and creating a grounded space for your spiritual growth and transformation. I offer support through:
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• One-on-One Spiritual Direction – Safe, spacious companioning as you tend to your inner life and connection with God.

• Spiritual Formation & Soul Care Coaching – Practical, grace-filled guidance to help you establish sustainable rhythms of rest and wholeness.

• Enneagram Coaching – Utilizing the Enneagram as a tool for deeper self-awareness, compassion, and spiritual growth.

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• Retreats & Workshops – Facilitating group retreats, interactive workshops, and community learning experiences.

Certifications & Affiliations​

• Spiritual Direction Certification (NewWay Ministries School of Spiritual Direction)
• Certified Enneagram Coach
• Soul Care Guide at Unhurried Living 
• Member of Spiritual Directors International
• Member of Spiritual Directors Hawaiʻi

Ministry & Leadership History

• Pastoral Leadership at Bluewater Mission Church in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
• Pastoral Leadership with Vineyard Underground Church in Torrance, California
• College Ministry with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship

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​Life & Roots

I was born on Oʻahu and raised in the upcountry of Kula, Maui. Today, I call Kapolei, Oʻahu home, where I live with my husband, Steve, and our four kids. Our life together is a blend of community care and practical stewardship:
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• Business & Community: Steve and I co-own Ohana Mortgage Solutions, anchoring our work in practical community support.

• Land Restoration: Driven by a deep love for this place, we co-founded the nonprofit Inoanāiwi alongside close friends, dedicated to restoring Hawaiian land to Hawaiian people.​​​

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​Art & Creativity

I am an artist at heart, with a background spanning the performing arts, writing, and visual art. Currently, my primary medium is watercolor.
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For me, art is both a personal sanctuary and a communal experience. You can explore my current work in my Gallery and Shop. From time to time, I also host art workshops, creative classes, and conversational salons to help others tap into their own inner artist.

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​Stay Connected

• Substack: Read my reflections and practical soul care Notes From a Spiritual Director.

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• The Podcast: Tune in to The Serene-ish Podcast, which I co-host with my dear friend Brenda Renderos, exploring the messy, beautiful middle of life.​

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• Instagram: Come say hi on @larissalmarks for glimpses into my art, family, and other things that I enjoy.

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​Are you ready to explore ways we can work together?

Click below to schedule a free 30-minute discovery session.

BOOK a DISCOVERY Session