Holly was born in Charleston, SC and traveled extensively during her childhood years. After high school she attended Virginia Commonwealth University earning a BA in World History. She later attended the University of Wyoming earning a SBA in Secondary Social Studies Education and a MS in Literacy in the Content Areas. She has taught at the middle and high school levels in Wyoming, New Mexico, and Colorado since 2003. She enjoys hiking, mountain biking, XC skiing, and has lived in Pagosa Springs since 2007 with her husband and two daughters.