Born in Seattle, Wash., Holly McBride was adopted at birth. Holly's two sisters and brother were also adopted and raised in Pasco, Wash. Holly lived in Pasco her entire childhood and she was very shy as a child. In grade school she was tested for dyslexia and ended up being tutored as a result. Both her parents and teachers gave her support that she needed to succeed. This is one of the main reasons she now is paying it forward by helping other children in a school setting. As a youth, Holly was very involved with her church's youth group, drill team, volleyball, dance and drama. Her parents kept all of their kids social and active. Upon high school graduation, Holly attended the Univ. of Idaho for two years. She joined a sorority and that is what ended her shyness and brought her out of her shell. College advisers encouraged her to become a teacher, but she had no interest at the time, so she left the University. Holly began attending Bassist Institute in Portland to study textile and design, wanting to become a buyer. Holly met her husband David at church and she ended up quitting Bassist and transferred to Central Wash. Univ. and earned her degree in Consumer and Family Relations. Holly and David married just before her graduation and once she finished, they started their family. Patrick was born in 1983 and Matthew arrived in 1985. Holly was a stay-at-home mom until Patrick started kindergarten. Holly did in-home daycare. When Patrick was in 2nd grade, the family moved to Corbett. They wanted to live in the country, so they purchased 14 acres and then built their home with the trees on site. In the beginning phase, they lived in a tent from June until October, then moved into the barn. From there, they then moved into a single wide trailer until their home was ready to move in. Because they paid for the home as they built, the process took 12 years. During the boy's growing up years, Holly worked as a house cleaner, math tutor, and also as a home economics teacher at Portland Christian School. When that position was discontinued, Holly applied at Outdoor School as a cook. She loved it! Her next job was at Sam Barlow High, helping college bound students. In 2014, she applied at Corbett and was hired as both an aide and a school bus driver. She does both, making it a full-time position. Holly and David are still living in their home on Trout Creek Road. Her oldest son is an electrician, living in Hood River, working at the new Google plant. He served three tours in Iraq. The youngest son served five years in the Navy and is living in Baker City with his wife and four children. Holly says she is happy working at Corbett, building relationships with the kids and seeing their "ah ha" moments when things come together for them with the learning process!
