Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary McCrary.
Hi Mary, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up facing a lot of trauma, and for a long time I didn’t know how to cope with the pain I was carrying. That led me down a path of addiction and eventually incarceration. But God changed everything! After turning myself into prison, I started college, and I joined the coding program. I also took a trauma healing class and I realized I had purpose and something to give back.
Since coming home, I’ve stayed committed to my recovery and personal growth. I’ve worked hard landed a summer internship for Computational Biology and Psychology at Princeton University, got involved in reentry and justice reform, and serve on the Governors Justice Impacted Council and I teach classes in prisons and help others transition back into society through my role at TPOM. I’ve spoken on national platforms, joined advisory councils, and been part of efforts to change systems — but what matters most to me is helping one person at a time believe that they can change too. I went from surviving to thriving, and now I use my story to serve others.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Adjusting to a new life in a new city was hard — I didn’t know many people, and sometimes I felt like I didn’t belong. I also ran into a lot of barriers when it came to employment because of my background, even though I had the skills and drive to succeed. But I kept pushing forward, leaning on my support system, staying connected to my purpose, and reminding myself why I started.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work at Tennessee Prison Outreach Ministry, where I teach recovery and spiritual classes, support individuals coming out of incarceration, and help find resources, and hope. I specialize in connecting with people through shared experience and building trust that leads to real transformation. One thing that sets me apart is my joy and energy — I bring light into dark places, and people can feel that it’s real. One of my proudest moments was when a woman came up to me after a class and said, “Thank you — if you could do it, so can I.” That reminded me that my story has power, and I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was actually really shy and quiet, but I loved school and learning new things. I was the kind of kid who dreamed big — I wanted to be either a preacher or a lawyer because I always felt called to help people and speak up for what’s right. I played in the band and on the softball team, so I had a creative and active side too. Even back then, I think a part of me always knew I was meant to be part of something bigger.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tpom.org
