Holly was born in Rochester, Minnesota, and grew up in coastal Los Angeles. She and husband Steve have two grown daughters in Washington, D.C.: Olivia, an attorney, and Audrey, a physical therapist.
Reading has been central to Holly’s life. She grew up surrounded by books and read whatever she liked, from her father’s medical texts to Jackie Collins, Harriet the Spy, and Little Women. Among her treasured possessions are her well-worn childhood favorites: Babar, Curious George, Eloise, and Where the Wild Things Are. Holly was a regular at her local childhood library and also at the Lihue Library on Kauai, where she spent summers.
Holly and Steve moved to Hawai’i in February 2026, fulfilling a long-held plan to settle in the islands once their daughters were launched. With family in Kamuela, Hawai’i Island was a natural fit. Steve is a swimmer and surfer, so they are happy to be here.
Holly stopped practicing law in 2019. After years of joking that writing appeals was a form of fiction, she earned an MFA in creative writing and literature and began writing in earnest. Her debut novel is in the final stages of editing. When she is not writing or reading, Holly dances at West Hawai’i Dance Theatre, writes grants for a ballet company in Los Angeles, hikes, and spends time in the ocean. Kua Bay, when the waves are small, is her current favorite spot.
Holly became involved with FOLK after visiting the library and exploring the FOLK website. She believes libraries are vital to every community, especially smaller and more remote ones. Holly currently serves as Vice President, overseeing scholarships and some fundraising, helping at monthly Book Sales, and contributing to this
newsletter. She hopes to help strengthen literacy in our community.