Rachel Holman

Rachel Holman is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work at Northern Michigan University. She holds a BS in Biology/Ecology from Northern Michigan University, a DVM from Michigan State University, an MSW from the University of Southern California, and is currently a doctoral candidate in Environmental Studies at Antioch University New England. Her research focuses on human-animal interactions as holistic treatments for climate grief, eco-anxiety, and solastaglia through a socio-ecological and ecofeminist lens within One Health/Welfare frameworks.

• Education Path: BS Biology (NMU) → DVM (MSU) → MSW (USC) → PhD Candidate (Antioch)
• Certifications: EMDR Therapy, Human-Animal Intervention Specialist (Oakland U), Veterinary Social Work (UT)

Her clinical background includes 10+ years as a therapist specializing in trauma and substance use disorders. She previously worked in shelter medicine, animal rescue, and served as a sexual assault therapist at the Women’s Center. She remains a Sasawin Safe Haven board member advocating for companion animals of domestic violence survivors.

Rachel integrates interdisciplinary expertise across veterinary medicine, environmental studies, and clinical social work to address mental health through human-animal bonds. She actively collaborates with local animal professionals to promote awareness of these curative relationships.