Carissa Shaw (Simmons) was born and raised in Boise, Idaho and played college golf at the University Montana. Go GRIZ! She has played golf since the age of 5 and the game has had such a significant impact on her life and where she is today. Her career goal is to introduce and attract as many people to the game as possible and help them find the love and passion in a game they can play for a lifetime. Carissa has been teaching golf for over 10 years and has considerable experience as a PGA Golf Professional. She currently operates her own business "Better Together Golf" where she manages tournament coordination for corporate outings, creates women's golf instruction and on-course events, as well as customizable destination golf trips. You can book private lessons in Sumner, WA at an indoor simulator or join the Women’s group lessons at Lake Wilderness in Maple Valley. She has served as a Teaching Professional with Griffin Golf from February 2019 - December 2020. Prior to that, she was a PGA Director of Member Engagement and Interim Head Golf Professional at Meridian Valley Country Club in Kent from 2014-2019. She additionally has experience as an Assistant Professional at Seattle Golf Club (2014-2015) and Crane Creek Country Club in Boise, Idaho (2012-2014). Carissa also served as PLU women's assistant coach for the 2019-2020 season. She is president of the Western Washington Chapter PGA, a Board Member of the Pacific Northwest PGA, and on the PGA of America National Adult Player Development Committee.

Carissa earned a business degree from the University of Montana where she was a member of the Grizzlies women's golf team. Simmons was a two-time All-Big Sky Conference selection, a two-time Big Sky All-Tournament selection while also serving as team captain. As a prep, Simmons was a two-time Idaho Class 5A State Champion. ​ Additional Achievements: 2019 PNWPGA Deacon Palmer Award Winner | 2017 Pacific Northwest Section Assistant Golf Professional of the Year | Titleist Performance Institute Certified Professional | University of Montana Golf Team Member | Three time Big Sky All Conference | First Tee of Greater Seattle Certified Coach | Golf in Schools Instructor | BS in Marketing & Management from UM