When thinking about what I would say regarding this opening, I had several topics I considered writing about from a research perspective. Then I thought it would be more applicable to write from the heart. Allow me to introduce myself to some of you, and peel back another layer of vulnerability for those who know me.

I’ll first describe the origins of my business. My parents are creative people and named me after a famous actress on television at that time, Marlo Thomas. "That Girl" was the name of my mother’s favorite show in the 60’s when she was pregnant with me. My mother later shared that Marlo is also a combination of her name - Marlene, and my father’s name - Lonnie. Joy is my favorite emotion, and solutions tie everything together. 

I am a strong believer that we all have a talent and purpose in life. As I have evolved personally and professionally, I discovered I absolutely love performing. I was introduced to the performance arts by my mother. She would take my sister and I to see broadway shows, which deepened my appreciation of the big stage. I had a front row seat to musicals such as The Wiz, Dreamgirls, Mary Poppins, Your Arms Too Short to Box with God, and the Rocky Horror Picture Show. I knew without a doubt, one day I would dance professionally. It never happened, but it definitely is deeply rooted in my soul.

On the other side of the coin, as a licensed master social worker, I was thrown into the trenches right after graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Over the last 30 years, I’ve proudly developed my craft, which has evolved through working with a cross-section of populations. This includes experience with foster care, education, home health, and counseling. Blend my love for the arts and social work and what do you ultimately get? MarloJoy Solutions!

You may ask yourself, what can MarloJoy Solutions do for me? I compare the services I offer to be similar to a prism. When white light passes through a refracted angle, it produces an array of colors and a prism is created. Those colors represent my services, and creative discovery is where happiness awaits.

Thank you for trusting me as your guide to Joy! I got you covered!