Risa is a graduate of both Columbia University with a Masters in Social Work and of the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine with a Masters of Science in Acupuncture. Her work experience and professional internships include:

• Oncology Social Worker: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
• Acupuncture Institute for Women with Disabilities at the Hospital for Joint Diseases and the Pacific Professional Health Services in Manhattan which services a diverse population
• Ongoing pracitioner of Tai Qi and Qi Gong