"I love being a part of the growth and development in the lives of my students and working on strategies to support their success for the rest of their school and home lives. I truly believe that early intervention is making a huge difference for my students futures."

Department

Special Education

Related Degrees

• Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, Special Education (PBSPED)

Holly has been teaching Special Education Preschool on Maui for five years. Her 23 year career in education has included a variety of settings all focused on early childhood. She started her teaching career in a K-4 Art classroom at a charter school. Later she taught kindergarten for eight years at a small private school. Holly has worked with migrant families and underrepresented populations both as a teacher and manager with the Even Start/Head Start programs. She has taught community classes including family literacy, art, positive parenting, mindfulness and child development and has presented at schools and early childhood conferences. Holly’s last position in Colorado before moving to Hawai’i was Head of School at a Montessori school. She is passionate about building relationships with students and families, and creating classrooms that support the growth and potential of all students. Holly was selected to the 7th Cohort of the Buell Early Leadership Program. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Art from the CSU-Pueblo and a Master’s degree in Administration, Leadership and Policy from the University of Colorado-Denver. She received both a post baccalaureate certificate in Special Education and a graduate certificate in Conflict Resolution from University of Hawai’i at Manoa.

Message to Teacher Candidate

Welcome to the most important and meaningful career you can choose (well that is just my opinion, but I fully stand behind it). I hope that you look to other teachers in your career for support and mentorship and I am thrilled to be one of your firsts. Every day presents an opportunity for us to make connections and engage our students in meaningful exploration and discovery. I believe that all adults, just like all children, are capable of greatness. Having a strengths based and growth mindset will serve you well as you serve others.