Hollie Ward has invested in the lives of young people through education for the greater part of her life, beginning at the age of 16 when she started teaching in summer programs for children with dyslexia. She tutored students that were deaf, blind, and those with learning disabilities through high school. Before she went on to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in education with a focus in special education. The decision to homeschool her own children led her and her husband, Barney, to becoming the founders and chapter leaders for a local home school group. As the chapter flourished, the Wards were elected and served on the New York State homeschooling board. In that role, they traveled the state, equipping others to be successful in home education. The Wards now live in Abbeville, Louisiana, near their children and grandchildren.