Holly Thill
Holly Thill
We’re so lucky to have Holly on our team. As a SAM’s teen group facilitator, she creates a safe, judgment-free space where kids can truly be themselves. Her empathy and dedication are a gift to everyone she supports.
After moving to Dallas in 2023, Holly gave herself a year to adjust to life as a first-year medical student before volunteering again. Her compassionate heart and passion for helping kids eventually led her to us, and we are so grateful for her.
Holly's six-year-old brother was killed in an accident when she was in the 7th grade. Raised in a career military family, they were assigned to a different base less than a year after his death. As a result, she lost her support system and all the friends who had known him and her family. Making new friends was always hard for Holly, but it was infinitely harder to find the energy to do so while trying to cope with the loss of her brother.
"I remember how awkward it was when new acquaintances would find out I had lost a sibling," Holly explains. "They very clearly never knew what to say. There were plenty of insensitive and hurtful comments, and I remember wishing so badly that I could just be around people who understood what it was like to lose somebody."
Holly eventually found an understanding community through a local grief support organization and a summer camp for bereaved kids. "I can't express the relief of being around other people who understood grief. This support truly made all the difference for my family and me. I don't think I would be where I am today if it weren't for them," Holly shares.
When she aged out of her group and grief camp, she wanted to give back by providing the same support that meant so much to her as a child. When she started her freshman year at Texas A&M, Holly began volunteering with a local bereavement center, where she served until graduation. Her acceptance to medical school landed her in Dallas, and the rest is history.
"I love volunteering as a SAM's facilitator because we provide a safe, non-judgmental space to share things that might otherwise be difficult to talk about," Holly shares. "The best thing we can give our SAM's kids is the opportunity to share both the good and the bad without fear of judgment because everyone in the group also understands what they are experiencing. I'm honored to share their journey and learn about their loved ones.
"Our SAM's program is amazing and such a blessing to the metroplex. I love volunteering with our teens and hope to continue serving here through medical school, residency, and for years to come."