Karissa Joy Slintak is a color guard educator, choreographer, and performer from Mililani, Hawaiʻi, currently based in San José, California. She performed with the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps in 2011 and 2012, as well as Santa Clara Vanguard Winterguard from 2011–2016.

Karissa has taught and choreographed at the high school, collegiate, and drum corps levels, with experience in both DCI and WGI. She has been a color guard coach with the San José State University Marching Band since 2018 and founded the university’s winter guard program in 2022. In 2026, the program became an Associated Students competitive club, Spartan Winter Guard, where she continues to serve as Caption Head.

Beginning in summer 2027, Karissa will serve as Color Guard Caption Manager for the Vanguard Cadets. As an educator, she is passionate about developing strong performers through thoughtful instruction, creativity, and a positive team environment.