Hi, I'm Mandy.
Firefly Hollow grew from two parts of my life that I never imagined would become one: a calling to help people and a lifelong love of horses.
I'm a wife, a mom of four, a mental health professional, and someone who understands that life rarely fits neatly into the boxes we expect it to.
My own family has walked through mental health challenges, diagnoses, advocacy, school struggles, and the complicated process of trying to find the right help for the people you love. I've experienced what it's like to sit on the other side of the table, as the parent asking questions, searching for answers, working with schools and professionals, and sometimes wondering what to try next.
Those experiences didn't just influence my decision to become a counselor. They shaped the kind of counselor I wanted to become.
I wanted to create something that felt different. Something human. Something experiential. Something with room to breathe. And eventually, that dream became Firefly Hollow.
Why Horses?
I thought my love for horses and my calling to help people were simply two separate pieces of who I was. But at Firefly Hollow, I've seen how horses bridge the gap between where we are and where we want to be. They don't just reflect our emotions; they help us navigate them with honesty and grace.
“I thought my love for horses and my calling to help people were simply two separate pieces of who I was.”
Professional Background
- Master's of Science in Counseling, OSU
- Professional Mental Health Experience
- School-Based Systems Expertise
- EAGALA Certification & Equine Training
Mandy's approach is experiential, person-centered, and deeply trauma-informed. She believes in meeting clients where they are and values the many unique paths to change and resilience.
Why This Work Is Personal
As a mother of four, I have personally experienced the journey of supporting children with mental health and developmental diagnoses. I understand the weight of advocacy, the labyrinth of navigating school systems, and the vulnerability of working with helping professionals from the parent's side of the table.
My career has been spent working closely with children, teens, parents, and families. I've seen firsthand how one person’s struggle affects the entire family unit. This systemic understanding informs every interaction at Firefly Hollow, ensuring that we hold space for the whole family's healing process.
I also share a deep connection to military families, with veterans in my own family. I am aware of the unique challenges of service and the often complicated transition back to family and civilian life. Firefly Hollow is a place where those who serve and their loved ones can find quiet, authentic support.
