Tim and Emily
Tim Hollamby and Emily Sullivan in “Les Miserables” 2012.

Tim Hollamby’s career path led him in several directions. But, one thing they all have in common is his love of people, expressed in his acting and music as well as support of people with disabilities as a Health Homes Care Manager. Locally, he’s a well-known actor and singer but he also supports people with physical and mental health issues and developmental disabilities for the Agency.

He always knew he wanted to help people and make a positive difference in their lives. But what exactly that looked like evaded him for a while. After his time at the State University of New York at Fredonia where he studied Sociology and Psychology, he worked a couple jobs in the area until he was alerted to his current position as a Health Homes Care Manager by a friend who also works for the Agency.

“I help people and try to keep them independent and living in their own homes for as long as possible. It’s very rewarding,” he said, adding he also links them with other necessary services in the area, when and where appropriate.

The people he supports must have a dual diagnosis of a physical or mental health issue to qualify for the Medicaid-reimbursed Health Home Care Management support services Tim provides.

“I have a lady in Franklinville who had no income, was on food stamps, and couldn’t support herself,” he said.

“I took her to the county building and applied for assistance for her. Now she’s able to support herself and is making progress.”

Another woman in Portville who had poor memory issues and is in the early stages of dementia was declining. “I took her to DENT Neurology in Buffalo, which her insurance covers. I went with her, took notes for her. There are challenges for her, but we caught it early,” he said, adding, “But there are some cases where I just wonder, ‘Where do I start?’

“I took her to DENT Neurology in Buffalo, which her insurance covers. I went with her, took notes for her. There are challenges for her, but we caught it early,” he said, adding, “But there are some cases where I just wonder, ‘Where do I start?’

Tim’s creativity drives him to help the people he supports find solutions to their problems, consider other options and ideas. But, it also has a more personal and dynamic expression in theater and music for him.

Acting allows Tim a freedom unlike anything else in his hard working career with the Agency.

Bill Steffen
Bill Steffen, center with rose, Tim Hollamby just behind him, and cast in rehearsal for “Seussical, the Musical” 2015.

“I belong on stage,” he said. “Just acting, stepping out of my comfort zone is fun. I forget who Tim Hollamby is when I’m acting.”

His first acting role was in The Sound of Music when he was in 10th grade. It was directed by Bill Steffen, who is also a Direct Support Professional at Day Hab and an actor, director and lighting engineer.

“Bill was the one who started my acting career. I owe everything
to him.” Tim said.

The following year, in the winter of 2005, he was in Titanic, which was his first of many productions with Olean Community Theatre.
Most recently, he’s well known in Olean for his acting role in The Big Meal, this past winter’s production with Olean Community Theatre.

“The Big Meal was challenging because I played so many characters,” he said.

His favorite role was Lumiere, the candlestick in Beauty and the Beast.

“I just stepped into the character. It was a lot of fun,” he said.

While Tim loves acting, his multi-faceted creativity shows up in his singing, which is his passion. In a recent concert in Portville’s Pioneer Park, he dedicated a song to his mom who was recovering from a long term illness which he prefaced with, “This one’s for you Mom. I’m so glad you’re here.”

“I sang my first song when I was four. It was Blue Suede Shoes,” he said, laughing. “After that I was hooked. On the stage – It’s where I am most comfortable.”

Recently, he and his best friend Andrew Barr launched their band, ‘The Nyce Guys,’ in which he sings and Drew plays guitar. He has written the lyrics of several of their songs and Drew has written the music, all of which are available on iTunes. It seems to be a dynamic duo, to which both of them bring their unique talents which synchronize into some great tunes.

Tim will be performing at the following events and concerts:

Friday, July 7th – National Anthem at the Olean Oilers game – 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday July 12th – Olean Community Theatre Music in the Park – Portville Pioneer Park 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Sunday July 23rd – Olean  Community Theatre Performance at The Taste of Olean/ Art in the Park – 3:30 p.m. – War Vets Park

Saturday August 5th – The Nyce Guys LIVE! at Angee’s Restaurant – 6– 9 p.m.