Holly has always known that her life’s work would center around children. As a young student, she was already reading Maria Montessori and writing about education, driven by a deep curiosity about how children reach their individual potential. That early passion became a lifelong journey—one that has taken her through classrooms, community organizations, and ultimately to founding her own approach to Early Childhood Education.

Over the years, Holly has explored many educational approaches including Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, developmental, project-based learning, Anji Play, progressive education and more. Rather than choosing a single philosophy, she began to notice that each held something valuable. From this realization, she developed The Little School Approach—a way of thinking about education that brings together the most meaningful ideas from many traditions while always honoring children and the adults who care for them as unique individuals.

Holly’s path to education was also shaped by her work in social services. After earning her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, she moved to San Francisco, where she worked with homeless youth at Larkin Street Youth Center. She went on to receive her Master’s Degree in Social Work from San Francisco State University and continued her work with organizations including Sunburst Children’s AIDS Project, Haight Ashbury Free Clinic Addiction Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Francisco, and Ala Costa Center.

In 2000, Holly was awarded a Fellowship in recognition of her community leadership—an experience that helped her realize her dream of opening her own school. She founded Rockridge Little School with a simple but powerful vision: to create a spot where children feel known, capable, and inspired, and where families feel a true sense of connection. What began as one school has grown into a community that includes multiple locations all grounded in the original intention.

Holly believes that children thrive when they are surrounded by caring adults who are treated with the support and respect professionals deserve. When teachers are treated well, they are able to share their talents in the most meaningful ways.

She lives in Berkeley and maintains close relationships with family and friends. Her daughter, Bella, attended Rockridge Little School in its very first year and is now an adult working in the fashion industry dividing her time between Milan and the Bay Area. Holly shares a deeply loving relationship with her son-in-law, whom she considers a son; he is both an expert in the specialty coffee world. a thoughtful observer of global affairs and a loving addition to her little family.

In her personal life, Holly treasures her close friendships and the richness of everyday connection. She shares her life with a kind, curious, and engaging partner, and together they enjoy great meals, spontaneous daytime road trips, and endless engaging conversations. These relationships—grounded in care, curiosity, and joy—continue to shape and inspire the way she thinks about community, both in and beyond her schools.