Larissa Hoffman is not only Mt. View’s Director of Youth and Family Ministries, she has led an amazing life elsewhere too!
Larissa was born the first of three children to her father Skip Balasz and a wonderful stepmom named Connie.
When she was 15 the family moved to Boulder for her father’s final placement as a Colonel in the Air Force. Larissa has never moved since that time. She joined Mt. View UMC at age 15. Larissa graduated from Centarus High School and then attended Ft. Lewis College in Durango getting a degree in Music Education. She planned to teach music in high school.
When she graduated from college she took a position teaching preschool with the City of Louisville. She loved it so much and they loved her so much that she never left. She still works there 20 years later!
17 years ago she applied to take the place of Linda Gertenbach at Mountain View UMC as the Family and Youth Coordinator for the church. Her creativity and passion really enhanced the position and Mountain View is still counting its blessings for having Larissa here.
Larissa has three wonderful children who have grown up in this church, Lance, Isaac, and Averi.
Larissa now lives in Longmont with her partner and best friend, Rich. They love to hike and camp.
Larissa’s bucket list includes doing more traveling. She has gone to Italy and hopes to add Spain and Scotland to the list soon. She looks forward to COVD finally being over and hopes to take the Mtn View youth on a mission trip next summer.
Larissa’s favorite Bible verse is Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Her favorite saying is: “Love one another and help others to rise to the higher levels, simply by pouring out love. Love is infectious and the greatest healing energy.” – Sai Baba.
Larissa repeats this to herself every morning.