About Marissa C. Knox, PhD
However, my students would probably tell you that I’m a teacher, writer, and self-compassion and mindfulness facilitator who helps fellow humans find glimmers of possibility through the many discomforts of change.
In reality, I channel all of these identities into everything I create. After teaching mindfulness and self-compassion for over a decade, I’ve learned that nature is the world’s greatest invitation for presence and compassion.
Most days, I am a Clinical Assistant Professor at Purdue University, where I teach courses on relationship and family science, human development, and how to apply mindfulness and compassion skills to life.
Over the years, I have co-developed self-compassion programs for young adults, healthcare professionals, and parents, and have published research on self-compassion programs, with a forthcoming book on the topic (This Is a Lot: A Twenty-Something’s Guide to Self-Compassion in an Overwhelming World) coming out in early 2027. I also teach at an annual meditation and yoga retreat in Colorado, and offer free monthly practice sessions for journaling, meditation, poetry, and connection through The Poppy Garden.
But most importantly, I am a human who is still trying to figure out this messy, unpredictable thing called life.
Embodying self-compassion has been a lifelong journey.
When I was 10, my mom taught me how to meditate. This was also around the same time I attended bird camp (yes, bird camp—ask me about it!), which taught me the art of paying attention by slowing down, listening, and attuning to the miracles of nature that are easily overlooked.
Even with these resources, college was a difficult time—navigating relationships and life transitions
didn't come easily.
It wasn’t until my 20s that I was introduced to the concept of self-compassion through Brené Brown’s book, The Gifts of Imperfection. At first, I thought it was absurd—how could imperfection come with any gifts?! Eventually, I understood that this kindness toward self is exactly what my mom had been trying to teach me all these years when she encouraged me to “be my own best friend”. From there, I learned about Kristin Neff and her formal research on self-compassion, and she became my PhD advisor in graduate school in 2012.
Despite being with this work for 13+ years, it’s still difficult for me to put into practice at times. I say this to
de-stigmatize it being hard, because self-compassion can feel like one of the most difficult things
to learn in this life.
It is not easy to be counter-culture, and self-compassion is counter-culture in every way.
Self-compassion asks us to slow down, feel discomfort, and identify what we really need, even when it may be inconvenient, unfamiliar, confusing, or scary.
Creating a kind relationship with ourselves is a journey that never really ends. We keep evolving as we go through new chapters of our lives, and we are tasked with finding hope and inspiration even when the road gets extra bumpy.
I’m here to provide you with the skills and practices that allow you to navigate whatever you encounter on your path.
Hi, I’m Marissa
Teacher | Writer | Mindfulness Facilitator
I’m here to help you remember how lovable you are, embrace the mystery of life, and receive the magic of being human.
01. the story
If you ask the serviceberry tree, irises, and deer outside my West Lafayette home, they would tell you that I’m their loyal guardian and devoted observer.
02. the dream
To be a mirror for your wholeness & magic
And remind you that you already have everything you need within.
“Perfection” is a myth.
It’s one of the most harmful illusions keeping us from embracing our unique spark and following our heart’s guidance.
Just like nature, life is meant to be imperfect, organic, wild, and reciprocal.
Together, we’ll find grace in the messy chaos of being human in this ever-changing world.
03. the values & beliefs
My work is rooted in:
Presence
The quality of our presence informs how we relate to others and the world, and our presence is the source of change, growth, and love.
Human-ness
Honoring each other's human-ness is an act of kindness and helps create new templates for being that reduce harm and expand ease and joy.
Writer
I write a Substack (and the occasional poem) about cultivating presence and nature as our greatest mentor. I’m also writing a book for emerging adults on self-compassion.
Robin Wall Kimmerer
Tara Brach
adrienne maree brown
Kristin Neff
Karen Bluth
Thich Nhat Hanh
Andrea Gibson
Sarah Faith Gottesdiener
Brené Brown
Alok V Menon
Chani Nicholas
Morgan Harper Nichols
Interconnection
We exist in togetherness, and our well-being is interwoven with the well-being of our planet and each other.
Beauty
Witnessing the many miracles of nature helps us reconnect to our inner magic and create things that inspire others to feel deeply.
04. the many hats I wear
Educator
I teach both university and online courses on mindfulness, compassion, emotional regulation, and resiliency skills.
Speaker & Facilitator
I facilitate courses, retreats, and workshops that help others see the world through a lens of integrity and joy.
05. the teachers who came before me
As practitioners and students, we are connected to all the teachers who came before us. We carry their wisdom, transforming it into food for new generations. These are many of the teachers who have fed my current ecosystem—human and more-than-human alike—(in no particular order):
John O'Donohue
bell hooks
Xenia Marie Ross Viray
Michelle Cassandra Johnson
Denise Deniger
Kelly Lindsey
Melody Moore
Kerri Kelly
David Treleavan
Sonya Renee Taylor
Staci Haines
Rev. angel Kyodo williams
Pema Chödrön
Prentis Hemphill
Margarita Makhota
Shimmering trees
Winding rivers
Ocean waves
Quietly blooming flowers
Moss-covered rocks
Birds of all kinds
Butterflies
The moon
The sun
Testimonials
"Dr. Knox's wisdom, guidance, creativity and passion is capable of transforming the world for the better. Because of her class and presence in my life, I decided to pursue my dream of being a psychologist and dance artist, conquered my second lupus flare, and learned to manage/optimize my emotional and mental health. I want to thank this class and Dr. Knox for making me a better woman and empowering me to be the best version of myself through mindfulness and self-compassion."
— Christella
My favorite class I've ever taken. It was engaging, open, and interesting. I learned so many applicable skills and practices. A lifechanging course, for real.
— Past student
"This class made me feel safe and accepted. I have never felt more safe in a different class. I was not scared to share with the class because Dr. Knox always replies with kindness. I liked how Dr. Knox was very inclusive in her language when discussing mindfulness."
— Past student
“The content I learned from [her] class has been a major factor in changing the way that I think and speak to myself. It's transformed my life and overall perspective. I used to think that being hard on myself was the best way to get things done and accomplish my goals. I've found that being kind to myself, and doing things out of love and care for myself has been much more sustainable and honestly more effective! I'm no longer thinking "if I don't do this, I'm a failure and loser" (so mean, right?) but rather changing my thoughts to "I'm doing this because I want the best for myself, and to see myself grow positively and thrive." This has translated to not only being less judgemental towards myself, but also others- and in turn makes me more positive and understanding of humanity.”
— Vivian
"This course was so insightful! Whether or not you are entering a helping profession, anyone can take skills and practices and apply them to their lives. There is so much grace and kindness in this space, and it is a truly wonderful experience."
— Past student
“I could not have asked for a more overwhelmingly positive experience from this class. I learned so much about myself and others through the course of the semester. The small discussions in class from others who share similar ideas and beliefs is something I will take with me in life. This was my favorite class I have taken. I am so grateful for the experience and especially for Dr. Knox!”
— Abby
"My experience in Dr. Knox’s class was something I was searching for within undergrad. Dr. Knox’s class provided me with skills that have set me up with a good strategy for potentially overwhelming experiences I may have within myself and relationships in my life. Learning about having compassion for others but also compassion for yourself was just what I needed as I go into post grad life. I really loved learning about how the brain reacts during mindfulness and compassion exercises, this really does work! I’m very glad I was able to take this class because it wasn't a regurgitation of information on a test, it was something you had to experience and practice."
— Lily
Work with Marissa