Today we’d like to introduce you to Joyce Marrie.
Hi Joyce, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
For more than 45 years, I have worked with youth, helping them discover and develop their unique talents through the performing and creative arts in community centers, churches, and schools.
In 1992, I founded Crossroads Panorama, a nonprofit learning community created to provide support, encouragement, and transformation for young people and adults facing crisis and life challenges. Through drama therapy, interactive role-play, storytelling, and creative expression, participants are given opportunities to explore their experiences, discover their strengths, and envision new possibilities for their lives.
At Crossroads Panorama, participants do not have to audition to belong. Individuals are welcomed into the theater at every level of skill and experience, regardless of the barriers they may face. These barriers may include race-based trauma, incarceration, family addiction, violence, poverty, bullying, and other life challenges.
My work with young people inspired me to expand my mission into writing. I began creating a series of children’s books designed as teaching tools to help children build self-esteem, address bullying, recognize their value, and develop a more positive view of themselves. This vision led to the creation of Cherry Wood, a tree character created to inspire positivity, confidence, healing, and hope.
From the books came my newest creation, the Cherry Wood Affirmation Tree Toy. Children can cuddle Cherry Wood and press a button to hear five positive affirmation messages designed to encourage calm, confidence, and positivity. My vision is to bring this resource to health facilities, mental health agencies, schools, community events, and families supporting children who have experienced trauma or behavioral challenges.
Throughout my journey, the arts, education, healing, and mental health have remained deeply connected. Today, I am also an outpatient therapist and the owner of my own practice, where I continue to support individuals and families on their journeys toward healing and emotional wellness.
My goal has always been simple: to Reach and Teach—to meet people where they are, help them recognize their value, and provide creative tools that inspire healing, hope, and transformation.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, the road has not always been smooth. I have faced many obstacles, barriers, and losses along the way. However, through every challenge, I have learned to look beyond the struggle and see the possibilities for growth and the opportunity to move to the next level of success.
As Frederick Douglass said, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” I can certainly relate to those words. Life can be like a diamond in the rough. Before a diamond shines, it must go through a process. Sometimes, we may feel buried beneath the dark and difficult circumstances of life, yet there is still something valuable within us waiting to be discovered and allowed to shine.
I remember a time in my life when I experienced homelessness. Even then, I believed there was hope at the end of the tunnel. I knew that my circumstances were temporary and that life was not always going to be that way. I had to draw from the light, hold on to hope, and continue moving forward.
Through those experiences, I became even more purpose-driven. I made the decision not to allow the broken pieces of life to discourage me or define who I would become. Instead, I learned that those broken pieces could become part of my story, my strength, and my purpose.
Today, one of the messages I carry with me is: “You can make it on broken pieces.” Sometimes we do not have everything we think we need to move forward. Yet, with hope, determination, faith, and purpose, we can take the pieces we have and continue building toward something greater.
My journey has taught me that struggles do not have to be the end of the story. Sometimes, they become the very experiences that prepare us for our next chapter.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Art has always been an important part of my life. I consider myself an artist, entrepreneur, author, producer, and mental health professional. Throughout my journey, I have used writing, acting, drama, storytelling, and the creative arts as tools to encourage, restore, and transform lives.
I am most proud of the journey that has brought me to where I am today. Every step—from years of education and training to building my businesses, community programs, and professional practice—has taught me the importance of thinking outside the box. I have learned to use creative and innovative approaches not only to transform my own life, but also to help others discover hope, healing, and the possibility of becoming the best version of themselves.
I specialize in encouragement, healing, and supporting individuals who may find themselves in difficult or challenging circumstances. Whether through the arts, therapy, books, creative products, or community programs, my goal is to meet people where they are and help them recognize their value, strength, and potential.
One of my greatest sources of pride is my children, who have grown into successful adults and built meaningful careers. I believe that before I can encourage others to produce good fruit, I must first strive to live by the same principles I share with others.
What sets me apart is my commitment to making a difference while living with integrity. I believe you never know who is watching your life, and I try to live by a simple principle: “Do the right thing, even when no one is watching.”
Ultimately, I am known for being purpose-driven, creative, compassionate, and committed to using every gift, experience, and lesson I have been given to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice to anyone who is just starting out is to know your purpose, keep showing up, and don’t quit.
The journey will not always be smooth. There will be rocky roads, dry places, disappointments, and moments when you may wonder whether you are moving in the right direction. During those seasons of life, keep watering your dream. Recognize the power within you. Speak life over yourself, and continue to show love—even when you are experiencing pain.
Sometimes, I wish I had known then what I know now. There were moments during my journey when I wondered if I had missed opportunities or taken the long way around. But as I have grown, I have come to believe that timing is everything. Life has seasons, and each season brings its own lessons, growth, and preparation for what comes next.
Today, I try to live with the belief that every day has a purpose. I have learned the importance of listening, pausing, resting, laughing, and enjoying life instead of constantly rushing through it. Success is important, but so is taking time to appreciate the journey along the way.
One thing I know for sure is this: I do not want to live with regrets. I want to use the gifts I have been given, embrace every season of life, and continue moving forward with purpose.
So, my advice is simple: Know your purpose. Keep showing up. Keep watering your dreams. Don’t quit. And remember to live, laugh, rest, love, and enjoy the journey along the way.
Pricing:
- Children’s Books: Approximately $20 per book.
- Cherry Wood Affirmation Tree: Pricing available upon request.
- Creative Arts & Drama Therapy Workshops: Pricing varies based on the length, group size, and organization.
- Speaking & Community Presentations: Available for schools, community organizations, mental health agencies,
- Therapy Services: Individualized rates and payment options are available through Chloe Bridges of Healing.
Contact Info:
- Website: crossroadspanorama.com and chloebridgesofhealing.com
- Instagram: crossroadsvisualarts
- Facebook: crossroadspanorama
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyce-marrie-phd-11aa9041b/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@crossroadspanorama6123
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1604465
