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Some journeys begin with a map. Others begin with a calling.
For Holly Strelzik, Center for the Heart was not just an idea—it was a necessity born from personal experience, deep empathy, and an unwavering belief that no one should navigate the end-of-life journey alone.
Holly’s path to this work was shaped by love, loss, and the profound realization that grief and dying are not just medical events, but deeply human experiences. Like so many, she witnessed firsthand the gaps in our society’s approach to death—where families struggle in silence, where conversations about end-of-life are avoided, and where the emotional and spiritual needs of those passing, and those left behind, often go unspoken.
Determined to change this, Holly immersed herself in the world of grief support and end-of-life care, seeking wisdom from traditional practices, modern hospice work, and community-based healing. She trained as an end-of-life doula, guided families through some of their most vulnerable moments, and listened to stories of loss, love, and resilience.
But it wasn’t enough. She knew that true change required more than one-on-one care—it demanded a movement.
The Birth of Center for the Heart
Holly envisioned a place where people could access compassionate, grief-informed support no matter their income or circumstances. A place where end-of-life doulas, grief educators, and community advocates could come together to ensure that no one faces death or grief alone.
And so, Center for the Heart was born.
Today, through end-of-life doula services, grief-informed school programs, and community workshops, Center for the Heart is redefining how we talk about, prepare for, and experience loss. It is a safe space for those seeking comfort, guidance, and a sense of peace in life’s most profound moments.
Holly’s work is a testament to the belief that healing begins with human connection. That a gentle hand, an open heart, and a willingness to hold space can transform even the most difficult transitions into moments of grace.
This is her calling. This is her mission. This is Center for the Heart.
Holly’s work is a testament to the belief that healing begins with human conection. That a gentle hand, an open heart, and a wilingness to hold space can transform even the most dificult transitions into moments of grace.
This is her calling. This is her mission. This is Center for the Heart.
Meet the Team
At Center for the Heart, genuine connection isn’t just a goal—it’s part of how we work, every day.
We’re a team of professionals who care deeply about people and our community. We bring a wide range of talents and experiences to the table, and we show up with curiosity, dedication, and a shared commitment to making a meaningful impact..
Center for the Heart is a place where we collaborate, grow, and support one another. And as our team expands, so does our ability to serve the community in even more meaningful ways.
Frances, Program Manager
Ashley, Executive Assistant
Click below to learn more about us!
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Frances, MSW, LMSW, is the Program Manager at Center for the Heart, bringing over 20 years of experience in social work, including program monitoring, supervision, and direct clinical support. A Licensed Social Worker in the state of Georgia, Frances is deeply committed to compassionate, client-centered care and the thoughtful stewardship of programs that serve others.
Frances earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Religion from Emory University in 1995, followed by a Master of Social Work from Georgia State University in 2000. Her career has spanned a range of roles, consistently focused on strengthening programs and improving outcomes for individuals and families in need.
Frances lives in Bogart, Georgia with her husband Darby, their dog Charlie, and cat Wonder. Together, they have three wonderful adult children and a daughter-in-law, and are embracing their new chapter as empty nesters. In her free time, Frances enjoys reading, tending to her garden, and is a self-proclaimed Gilmore Girls superfan.
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Ashley is the Executive Assistant at Center for the Heart, bringing over a decade of experience supporting visionary founders and executives across corporate and nonprofit sectors. She blends strategic operations, IT expertise, and people-first leadership to streamline systems, manage complex projects, and keep teams aligned with their mission. Passionate about purpose-driven work, Ashley ensures our leadership can stay focused on creating meaningful impact.