Holly Higgins-Staudacher
Holly spent 25 years as a healthcare professional, holding roles in both medical and mental health settings, as an RN and as a Social Worker.
During this tenure, one of the titles that Holly held was the Forensic Specialist for the State Department of Health Services for WI. In this role, Holly worked with those found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect. Holly also served many Veterans, prosecuted for crimes directly connected to symptomatic behaviors of PTSD. Holly later served as the Supervisor for Drug Court for Women in Dane County WI and the Director for a Homeless Shelter for Women in Madison, WI.
Holly attributes her skills as a professional keynote speaker to her professional experience influencing audiences to promote wellness for others.
Holly is also a mother. A biological mother of four, Peter, Will, Daniel and Erik, a stepmother of three, Genna, Kelsey, and Whitney, and a figurative Mother to everyone she meets. Holly’s nurturing spirit enhances her ability to capture the attention of a room.
It was when Holly’s son SrA Daniel J Johnson was killed in action while serving in the United States Air Force as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician in Afghanistan, that Holly earned the title no parent would want. Gold Star Mother.
Daniel’s tragic and untimely death taught Holly that grief is not something to avoid but rather embrace. In embracing her own pain, she learned that grief is a gift. It helps us to mourn. It teaches us and guides us as we navigate loss, sorrow, and unspeakable tragedy.
Holly’s journey from experiencing such a profound loss to using her knowledge and experience has enabled her to help others by sharing her inspirational story as a Keynote Speaker, Program Manager, Lead Story Coach for The Heroes Journey Warrior Storytelling Program with Task Force Pineapple, and a published author. Holly is devoted to serving as a liaison for Families of the Fallen with Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret.
Holly’s son Daniel’s courage, patriotism, and integrity inspire Holly every day to live a life worthy of his sacrifice. He is not only her son and her hero; but a young man, who loved his country enough to die for it.
