Holly is a single mom to three beautiful kids - Julian (10) and Ava (7) who both have special needs, and sweet baby Río (6 weeks). She’s also an Associate Marriage/Family Therapist. She’s a wonderful mother, authentic and genuine friend, and all-around good human being. The kind of person you immediately feel close to if you’re lucky enough to meet.

On the morning of February 13th, the unthinkable happened and baby Río did not wake up. He leaves behind a heartbroken mom, an older brother and sister who miss him terribly, and a circle of grieving chosen family who still can’t believe he’s gone. Holly quite literally poured her body, heart, soul and every last penny into preparing for his arrival and caring for Río, Ava and Julian, and his absence leaves a void that can never be filled.

Holly has been trying to get through the process of filing for disability and paid family leave ever since Río’s birth, which has been another struggle altogether, meaning that funds were already low before this devastating loss. The disability payments will help temporarily, but she will need funds to make ends meet until she can return to work. For now though, she needs to be able to grieve without worry of having to do so sooner than she is able to for her own mental and physical health.

These funds will help Holly immediately with making arrangements for Río. In addition, Holly hopes to be able to move away from where this tragedy took place and create a fresh start somewhere that she can feel safe and begin to process this unspeakable trauma, unpack other traumatic events that occurred over the past few years leading up to her pregnancy with sweet baby Río, and create new happy memories for herself, Julian and Ava.

Holly recently finished the last of her clinical hours and is in the process of gathering documents needed to submit her application (including a $500 fee) for the license/exam. Once approved she can begin to study for and schedule the licensing exam. She can also use these funds to pay for childcare while she studies. After passing the exam Holly will be a Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist and wishes to open her own private practice. 

Holly has always wanted to become a therapist to help and heal her community, but right now she needs her community to help her to heal, too.