Headshot of Olivia Van Ness

Olivia Van Ness

Project Rollway Model

Olivia’s bio

Meet Olivia, an 18-year-old from Rincon, Georgia, whose strength and joy shine through her recovery journey. After a boating accident in May 2025 led to a brain injury, Olivia brought her love of movement and connection to every moment at Shepherd Center. She enjoys dancing, spending time with family and friends, and staying active outdoors. She imagines Shepherd in 1975 as a smaller center with a big vision, focused on meeting the specialized rehab needs of its community. Looking ahead, she sees continued growth, advanced research, and even more personalized care. One of her favorite memories? Cuddling a sweet therapy puppy named Poet during a therapy session. Fun facts: Olivia was a competitive dancer, continued teaching dance at Georgia Southern, and loves hunting with her dad and brothers. She’s full of grit, grace, and heart…and she’s just getting started.