Carrie Hollman
Specialist, Vocational Transition
"Our goal for all students is to grow their independence, self-advocacy, and communication skills."
Please share a little bit about where you grew up and what brought you to Tucson (if you were raised here, what is something that you enjoy about Tucson?).
I have lived in quite a few spots over the years - born in Washington, DC; raised in Southern California and New Jersey; attended college in Oregon, Ecuador, and Australia; served in Gabon, Africa, in the Peace Corps; and finally, met and married a local Tucson guy!
How long have you worked at the college or university, and can you share a little bit about your job within the college?
I have been here for 10 years, the entire time with Project FOCUS. Our team supports students with significant and/or multiple disabilities while they attend the U of A.
Carrie & her hubby @ Disneyland
"Our fully inclusive program supports students throughout the week on campus, while they take courses, work at internships, and socialize with their peer mentors. Living their best Wildcat Life like everyone else!"
What's one part of your job that people might not realize or understand about what you do daily?
Our entire Project FOCUS team supports a cohort of 14 to 20 students on campus, along with anywhere from 25 to 40 peer mentors. This involves day-to-day responsiveness, flexibility, creativity, and a super-large hose to put out fires all over campus with our serious teacher muscles ;)
Can you tell us what Project FOCUS is and what the program hopes to provide for its students?
Project FOCUS is a two-year, dual enrollment program for students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to attend the U of A. Our goal for all students is to grow their independence, self-advocacy, and communication skills. We bridge the important transitional time between high school and gainful employment in the Tucson Community (or continuing their post-secondary journey).
What are some of the experiences and opportunities students have while participating in Project FOCUS?
Our fully inclusive program supports students throughout the week on campus, while they take courses, work at internships, and socialize with their peer mentors. Living their best Wildcat Life like everyone else!
Carrie & Her Boys at the Beach
"I dig a good rocking chair, whether it be for reading, chatting, or simply and gently rocking through this crazy world."
If there's a favorite place you enjoy on campus and around Tucson, please share what makes it special.
Nothing beats being outside in Tucson during winter and early spring; I can often be found working on the Student Services 2nd Street patio. Local shout-out to Bach's nursery - I LOVE LOVE LOVE me some crazy cacti, and they have a real hidden gem there on the NW side.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I dig a good rocking chair, whether it be for reading, chatting, or simply and gently rocking through this crazy world. Visiting water is also high on the list of pure pleasure - I am not picky...rivers, lakes, oceans, etc. After I finally win big in the lottery, you will find me in a random village somewhere, chatting up the locals, with a beat-up Lonely Planet in my backpack, a mountain bike leaned up against a tree, and no internet for miles and miles. Heaven.
What is a favorite book, streaming series, movie, podcast, or other form of entertainment that you enjoy? What do you like about it?
I am addicted to great music - preferably folk and Americana, or old-school rock with some edgy country/bluegrass sprinkled in. My favorite books are Where'd You Go, Bernadette (humor keeps me sane), Lessons in Chemistry (staunch supporter of badass women in science, STEMinists), and The Power of One (Africa is anchored in my soul). Bad boys on screen also intrigue me, à la Justified, Sons of Anarchy, Ozark.
Carrie’s Front Yard Flowering Cacti