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Crystal Marr 鈥�02 always knew she wanted to help people. Even as a child, she was drawn to the idea of making a difference鈥攚hether through volunteering, advocacy, or simply being there for others. 

• Today, as Associate Vice President of Substance Use Disorders at Sun River Health, she carries that same passion into her work, ensuring that individuals struggling with addiction receive the care, support, and dignity they deserve. 
• 鈥淲e primarily serve the underserved,鈥� Crystal said. 鈥淲e want them to feel welcomed, engaged, and empowered to take care of their health.鈥�  

Leadership Rooted in Marist Values

For Crystal, leadership is about connection. She manages a team of over 36 employees across Hudson Valley, New York City, and Long Island, ensuring that staff feel supported and patients receive the best possible care. 

• 鈥淚 always tell my team鈥擨鈥檓 only a phone call away,鈥� she said. 鈥淓ven though we鈥檙e spread out across the state, we stay connected through technology, through collaboration, through shared purpose.鈥� 

Crystal felt deeply about that shared purpose during her time at Marist. The University鈥檚 social work program, its dedicated professors, and its flexible structure allowed her to balance school, work, and personal commitments鈥攁ll while preparing for a career of impact. 

• 鈥淢arist gave me the foundation to do what I do today,鈥� she said.

LISTEN: Crystal talks about how her relationships with faculty at Marist opened her mind to the possibilities of her career.

"I was empowered to stretch myself. I wasn't aware of how flexible the social work degree was until I went to Marist. It propelled me to continue on in my educational journey."

 

Finding Her 鈥淲hy鈥� 

Crystal recalls one particularly meaningful experience鈥攁 patient鈥檚 family member who spent over a year gathering information before finally convincing their loved one to seek treatment. 

• 鈥淚t took some really scary moments,鈥� she says, 鈥渂ut when they finally walked through our doors, that was a huge win. Today, they鈥檙e doing well. That鈥檚 my 鈥榳hy.鈥� That鈥檚 why I do this work.鈥�

Crystal sees social work as more than just a profession鈥攊t鈥檚 a calling. Whether through direct care, program development, or policy change, social workers are at the forefront of building systems that empower individuals and communities. 

• 鈥淲e鈥檙e the changemakers,鈥� she says. 鈥淲e don鈥檛 just meet unmet needs鈥攚e create new possibilities.鈥�

Inspired to do More

In our "Inspired to do More" series students, faculty, staff, and alumni share their unique Marist journeys. In Marist's "and, not or" spirit, these members of our community have embraced diverse opportunities, excelling in academics, activities, leadership, and service. Each story highlights how Marist's values inspire them to pursue excellence, connect with others, and make a meaningful impact.