In the Thick of It: Alumni Logan Holley-Luna’s Journey through motherhood, mentorship, and making a difference
Meet Logan Holley-Luna '16, who received a Bachelor's of Education in Family and Human Services, through our Alumni Spotlight series.
When Logan reflects on her time at the University of Oregon’s College of Education, one word rises to the surface: home. From her first moments at IntroDUCKtion to her final term walking campus with her newborn son, Logan’s college experience was anything but ordinary—and all the more powerful because of it.
Now an Early Learning Apprenticeship Coach, Logan supports aspiring preschool teachers across Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties. Her work helps build a stronger early childhood education workforce in Oregon, ensuring that families have access to safe, skilled caregivers while also helping educators earn a livable wage. But the roots of her career—and her passion—were planted during her time in the Family and Human Services program at the University of Oregon.
Finding Her Path
Logan’s introduction to the College of Education came before she even applied. An info session with faculty opened her eyes to career paths she hadn’t considered before. “That session changed my entire thought process on my future,” she recalls. “When I saw those same faculty again at IntroDUCKtion, they welcomed me and immediately made me feel like I was in the right place to learn.”
That sense of belonging carried her through the challenges and triumphs of her undergraduate years. One of the most transformative experiences came during her junior year, when Logan became a mother. “I was pregnant for most of my junior year, and was able to bring my tiny squishy baby with me for my last term,” she says. “Getting to walk around campus and explore with my son was really special and something we both like to look back on.”
A Campus That Cared
For Logan, the physical space of the College of Education was more than just a backdrop—it was a sanctuary. “My favorite COE resource was the space, itself! I could always find a quiet table in HEDCO or one of the surrounding buildings to work on assignments or read,” she says. “I loved working in the thick of the action.”
That balance of energy and calm helped her thrive as both a student and a new parent. And while she’s moved on from campus life, there are still places she’d love to revisit. “I would love to revisit Barnhart brunch! I lived in Barnhart freshman year and brunch was something we looked forward to every weekend,” she says. “Selfishly, I’d also love to grab coffee and sit outside of the Jaqua just because it’s such a stunning building.”
Building a Better Future
Today, Logan’s work as an Early Learning Apprenticeship Coach is deeply rooted in the values she developed at UO. “My education prepared me for human service work as it built responses to prevent burnout and compassion fatigue,” she explains. “I was taught to go into this work establishing and protecting my own boundaries.”
That foundation allows her to support others with clarity and compassion. She manages apprenticeship programs that help new early childhood educators gain the skills and credentials they need to succeed. “Not only are these preschool teachers getting skills to earn a livable wage, but Oregon parents working in all fields will have safe, educated caregivers to provide care while they work,” she says.
Advice for the Next Generation
Logan’s journey—from student to mother to mentor—has given her a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in the field of human services. Her advice to current students is simple but powerful: “Collect resources as often as you can. You never know when you will need a specific resource, so even if something does not seem relevant or useful in the moment, keep a good record of what you learn about and who you meet—especially when it comes to local resources, agencies, and opportunities.”
A Legacy of Resilience and Connection
Logan Holley-Luna’s story is one of resilience, resourcefulness, and deep connection—to her community, her family, and her alma mater. Whether she’s coaching future educators or reminiscing about brunch at Barnhart, she carries the spirit of the College of Education with her.
And perhaps most beautifully, she didn’t walk that path alone. She walked it—quite literally—with her son in her arms, showing him what it means to learn, to lead, and to love the work you do.