Meet The Holleys

Valerie is the owner and head instructor of a martial arts academy. She earned her 5th degree black belt in taekwondo in January 2019 and considers herself a lifelong enthusiast. She is a graduate of Southern Utah University. Valerie has co-authored a trilogy of published fantasy novels: The Tale of Telsharu (2011), The Scourge of Narak (2013) and The Seventh Guardian (2022). Valerie is an experienced photographer and enjoys capturing beautiful memories of her family. Valerie also enjoys playing the piano, cooking, reading, and most of all, spending time with her little family.

James is a public defender. He earned his bachelor's from Brigham Young University and then attended Duke Law School. James feels very passionately about public defense and ensuring that the rights of all individuals are upheld by the law. James served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Missouri and Kansas. He is a 3rd degree black belt in Taekwondo and has a particular love of weapons demonstration. His other interests include baking, reading, political science, and video games.

Shadow is a darling Dachsund-Lab mix adopted from the Humane Society of Utah in 2013. He loves going on walks, being scratched, playing tug-o-war, curling up with his people, and napping on the furniture. He doesn't always love other dogs, but he LOVES kids of all ages, especially his little brothers!

Joel is a voracious reader and an excellent student. His favorite subject is science, but there is little about school he dislikes. He enjoys taekwondo, and by his own choice, attends every class available for his age group. Joel has deep love for his friends and family and is incredibly affectionate.

Xander is a creator; he loves to make things with Legos, paper, Magnatiles, PlayDoh, kinetic sand, or any craft supplies he can find. He has a unique and vibrant imagination, and we love hearing the stories and characters he makes up.

Kieran is the adventurer; anything he sees his big brothers do, he wants to do too. He is such a ham; he just loves to make people laugh. Kieran is currently obsessed with cars, in all forms. He consistently out-eats his brothers, and is willing to try any food he sees. He loves to snuggle, and loves to wrestle with his brothers.

The Holleys like to think of themselves as a fun and engaging family. They love martial arts, games, books, movies, food, travel, and spending time together as a family.