About Holly

Holly Hashimi is the founder of HeartSpark, a movement built on creativity, compassion and connection. After a journey of personal growth shaped by adversity, she felt called to create the kind of supportive space she would have benefited from growing up and as an adult. What began in September 2023 with six girls gathered around a table has grown into HeartSpark Ltd., a nonprofit offering free weekly programming for up to 30 girls and The HeartSpark Collective, where women come together to explore connection, growth, learning, creativity and stories of resilience.

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Holly is also the founder of HeartSpark Creative Inc., facilitating workshops, events and trainings for many ages.

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As a certified Therapeutic Arts Practitioner (CIIAT), a Shine From Within–certified Youth Mentor, and a trained crisis responder (988 Suicide Helpline and RCMP Victim Services), she weaves creative and expressive arts into her work, helping people explore identity, find their voice and build meaningful connections. A Therapeutic Arts Practitioner is not an art therapist — Holly does not diagnose or provide clinical therapy. Instead, she uses creative and expressive arts as supportive tools for reflection, connection and personal growth.

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Her background in journalism, crisis response, youth mentoring training and experience and community volunteering informs her approach. She believes our life experiences shape how we see the world and brings that perspective into her work with compassion and care. Her years as a journalist taught her how to listen deeply and uncover what truly matters — skills she now uses to design programs that help people feel seen and supported.

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Her sessions are infused with warmth, creativity and — often — a little fur. Holly’s beloved dogs have long been part of her community service through the Pets and Wellness Society of Wood Buffalo (PAWS), bringing comfort and joy wherever they go. Today, Mrs. Pudding, her gentle rescue from Hawaii, often joins sessions. With her calm presence and soft-hearted nature, Mrs. Pudding has a remarkable effect on kids and adults alike — helping people relax, open up and feel at ease. When possible, she is a cherished part of the HeartSpark experience.

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At the heart of everything Holly does is a hope that people leave her programs feeling connected, peaceful, hopeful and inspired. Her commitment to service has been recognized with both the Stars of Alberta Volunteer Award and the Heart of Wood Buffalo Volunteerism Award, yet what matters most to her is seeing people flourish when they realize they are not alone.