Holly Willing, PTA
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science in Biology from Millersville University | Associate in Science in Physical Therapy Assistant from Central Penn College
CERTIFICATIONS: Whole Health Educator, National Institute of Whole Health, 2011, Certified Yoga Instructor, RYT-200
CONTACT:
hwilling@hartzpt.com
What Makes Holly Special
Holly is passionate about holistic health and wellness and melds some of those elements into her treatment style. She is also a certified yoga instructor! In the clinic, Holly will be expanding our Aquatics program by focusing her time treating aquatic therapy patients in a 1-on-1 treatment model.
She has always had an interest in science, nutrition, and movement, which is partly what lead her to the field of physical therapy. She especially enjoys and values patient education. She is intrigued by human physiology. Holly believes that patients with a clear understanding of their diagnoses and treatments will have greater success with healing through physical therapy.
When not in the office, Holly enjoys spending time with her family, playing with her two dogs, hiking, running, soccer, skiing, kayaking, yoga, nature photography, music, and beach vacations.
Want to know more? Here’s a little Q & A…
What professional accomplishment of yours are you most proud of?
Being invited to present at a Summer Institute at Millersville University by one of the psychology professors there, who was a yoga student of mine. One of my goals at the time was to be a teacher of teachers, and I had the opportunity to share with K-12 staff members about “trauma-informed” yoga and how it can benefit students who have experienced trauma or are in need of extra emotional support.
What energizes you at work?
Coffee of course!
Most important advice you give your patients?
Don’t hold your breath! Then I teach them how to breathe efficiently while exercising. It is life-changing!
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
When I was very young, (elementary school age) there was a blurb in my church bulletin about “worrying” and why it is counterproductive . It really spoke to me, so I cut it out and pinned it to my cork board in my bedroom. I kept it for many years and into my adulthood. That random little blurb really affected the way I’ve handled stressful situations throughout my life. I didn’t have much to worry about when I first read it, but it came in handy as my life got more complicated.
What’s one habit you’re trying to form (or un-form)?
I would like to go to bed earlier and stop eating late at night!
Is there any experience you think everyone should be required to have? What is it?
I think everyone should feel what it’s like to be the minority with regard to race/culture.
What’s your favorite famous or inspirational quote?
There are so many great quote’s out there! This one is by Mahlone Haines, the man who built the Shoe House that you can see along route 30 on your way to York. It’s now an AirBnB, but prior to that, you could tour the place, and it is a magical little abode. Here is the quote that appeared on the wall as you entered the house. It really resonates with me.
“Be honest for clear conscience, be steadfast in friendship, be moderate in your “bad” habits. Above all – play.”
Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
Sort of. I play a little guitar and sing. I’ve performed locally with a band made up of some musician friends a few times.
What’s one item you can’t leave home without?
My phone and my chapstick!
What’s the first concert you ever went to?
The band POISON, which was popular in the 80s/90s. When I was 16 years old, the local radio station said that the first person to come down to the station in a bikini would win concert tickets to see Poison. I happen to be hanging out with 2 of my friends (a girl and a guy) at my friend’s pool. Us girls were wearing bikinis, so we hopped in the car, drove to the radio station, and won the tickets!
What makes you laugh?
When people do funny dances, it always makes me laugh!