My clients call me Doc Holly, and for decades, I’ve had a deep passion for helping people create and experience a better way of doing life, living, and leadership. This "raw passion" as I like to call it, has its roots in my upbringing. 

Growing up in an alcoholic family as the youngest of four children, I experienced a unique blend of stress and dysfunction. My oldest brother, who was my “everything,” died when I was soon to turn three. I constantly navigated the emotional landscape shaped by my alcoholic father's anger and anxiety. Stress was a way of life for my family.

This environment fostered a sense of hyper-vigilance within me, and I became a dysfunctional people pleaser; a role that both mitigated familial tensions and later benefited my employers. However, this behavior came at a personal cost, leading to resentment and imbalance in my personal relationships. Recognizing the need for change, I sought counseling within my first doctoral program which turned out to be a transformative process and changed my life. 

My childhood experience fueled my desire to become a psychologist, leading to extensive academic achievements, including five degrees in behavioral sciences plus a dissertation that analyzed personal relationship dynamics. 

My education:

Internship- Duke University Medical Center, 

Post Doctorate in Clinical Psychology: Kent State University,

PhD: Major in Social Psychology; Minor in Personality Psychology, 

MA: Social Psychology, 

MEd: Secondary Guidance/Counseling, 

BA degrees: 1) Psychology 2) French

I co-founded The Leadership Trust® with the late Dr. Jim Farr, focusing on self-awareness and emotional intelligence. For over 30 years, I've guided thousands through individual therapy and workshops. Now, I’m translating these insights into a self-help book and coaching programs designed to offer this transformative change to everyone. 

My personal journey and work, coupled with my academic background, uniquely positions me to help others navigate their paths to personal growth and fulfillment. No matter where you are on your path, I envision you where you want to be and how to get you there.

Outside of my professional life, I cherish time with my childhood sweetheart Elliott, our rescue cat Kiki, and my passions for animal welfare, antique Asian art, live music, nature, cooking, and word gaming. Above all, I believe in the power of love and connection, striving to be a catalyst for positive change in the lives of all those who engage me.