Holly has been an avid lover of nature since her childhood when she would explore streams, wetlands, beaches, and forests to learn about the various living organisms that share our planet. As a volunteer at the Baltimore (now Maryland) Zoo, she discovered the importance in using education to help people understand why animals in nature, including birds, need our care.

Art was also a deep interest and Holly's professional life involved utilizing her background in art therapy to help people access well-being and healing through creative and artistic expression. She continues this work now, incorporating nature and birds to support and build mental, physical, and emotional wellness through her work in ornitherapy and nature-based wellness programs.

Holly turned to nature, particularly bird watching, during her treatment and recovery from breast cancer, because of its therapeutic benefits. She found powerful companions in birds and nature on her wellness journey, and discovered this feeling of peacefulness and oneness can bolster the body's defenses against disease and boost mental well-being. This is Holly's definition of ornitherapy.

Along with being the founder of the Mindful Birding Network, Holly also co-hosts and produces the popular Mindful Birding podcast with Holly Thomas.

For more information about Holly, ornitherapy, and how she is making an impact on personal wellness, please visit her website.