Her Story
About Holly
Holly Blasier, M.A., is a healthcare professional with more than 27 years of experience in occupational therapy and rehabilitation, followed by a transition into the specialized field of vision rehabilitation. Throughout her career, she has worked in rehabilitation hospitals, home care, skilled nursing facilities, and pediatric settings, providing comprehensive care to individuals recovering from neurological injuries, chronic illnesses, developmental conditions, and vision loss. She currently serves as a Daily Living Skills Instructor with Lighthouse Guild STEP, where she empowers individuals who are blind or visually impaired to develop greater independence and confidence in their daily lives. She is also preparing to earn her Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (VRT) certification to further expand her expertise. Blasier earned a Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy from New York University, following a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and Museum Studies from Boston University. She further specialized in vision rehabilitation by completing advanced training in Awareness of the Visually Impaired and Blind through Salus University in 2024. Throughout her distinguished career, she has been recognized for her compassion, professionalism, and commitment to patient care, receiving Resident Council Recognition Awards from Jewish Home and Hospital and Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center. She has also served as a mentor to aspiring occupational therapists and rehabilitation professionals, helping shape the next generation of clinicians while remaining dedicated to lifelong learning and professional growth. Driven by compassion, perseverance, and a genuine commitment to helping others, Blasier believes that meaningful relationships, mentorship, and continuous education are the foundation of professional success. Her transition into vision rehabilitation was inspired by years of working with patients whose visual impairments significantly affected their independence, motivating her to address an important gap in rehabilitative care. Looking ahead, she remains committed to advancing vision rehabilitation services, expanding her professional knowledge, and empowering individuals to live fuller, more independent lives while continuing to mentor future healthcare professionals.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Holly
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, faith, and the guidance of exceptional mentors throughout my career. Building meaningful professional relationships, remaining dedicated to lifelong learning, and continuing to serve others with compassion have helped me grow personally and professionally, even through significant life challenges such as overcoming breast cancer.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I learned that building lasting professional relationships is essential. Making friends with classmates, maintaining connections with professors, working diligently, and seeking out mentors can provide invaluable guidance and opportunities throughout your career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to build strong relationships with their classmates, work hard, stay connected with their instructors, and actively seek mentors who can guide their professional development. Mentorship, perseverance, and continuous learning are invaluable tools for long-term success.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I believe one of the greatest opportunities in healthcare is the growing demand for vision rehabilitation services and specialized care for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. As the field continues to expand, professionals who pursue advanced training and certifications will have increasing opportunities to make a meaningful impact while advancing their careers.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value compassion, perseverance, lifelong learning, mentorship, faith, and meaningful human connection. I believe these principles enable me to provide exceptional care, support others through rehabilitation, and continue growing both personally and professionally.
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