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Lori Holden, M.A.

  • Author, workshop leader, adoption coach
  • Recognized as an expert in the complexities of adoption
  • Re-imaginer & reformer of how to “do” adoption better for all
  • Host of Adoption: The Long View podcast
  • Honored as an Angel in Adoption® by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute
  • Chief Civilizer at Tessa & Reed, Assoc (retired; they are now functioning adults)
  • Yogini & Wonderer
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Lori Holden adoption expert

Projects

Books

The Open-Hearted Way to Open Adoption: Helping Your Child Grow Up Whole, written with my daughter’s birth mom , was published in hardcover by Rowman & Littlefield and garners rave reviews. Recommended by People magazine in the US and Chatelaine magazine in Canada, it is also available in paperback, audio, and e-book versions.

Rowman & Littlefield, publisher of scholarly books, will also publish my upcoming book, Adoption Unfiltered: Revelations from Adoptees, Birth Parents, Adoptive Parents, and Allies December 1, 2023. This new book is a collaborative effort with esteemed colleagues Sara Easterly, an adoptee, and Kelsey Vander Vliet Ranyard, a birth mom.

Are you a yoga teacher? Explore the Root To Rise Yoga Teaching Method in Standing Room Only | How to Be THAT Yoga Teacher, now available in paperback.

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Podcast

I explore the complexities of adoption in my podcast, Adoption: The Long View.

All Episodes

Video Series

And along with an adoptee and a birth mom, I contribute to a video series, Three Sides to Every Adoption.

All Episodes

What Coaching Clients Say

Lori has been walking alongside me as I navigate a challenge in our open adoption. Her compassion, insight and commitment have carried me through….I couldn’t have stayed the course without her encouragement. She has walked the walk and now helps others do the same.
Megan GraceTexas
As we navigate the early years of our open adoption, Lori is a wonderful coach. She has such practical wisdom to share; time and again she has helped us thoughtfully troubleshoot complex challenges. In our sessions, she keeps us grounded and adoptee-centered, boosts our morale and lifts our spirits. We deeply value Lori’s expert perspective, and always leave our conversations feeling like we can go the distance on our adoption journey.
Seth & Andy, dads to MarieColorado
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Lori Holden

a/k/a Lavender Luz

Lori Holden is my name, but I selected Lori Lavender Luz as my blog persona many years ago and it has stuck.

  • Lavender because I love all shades purple.
  • Luz (“looz”) meaning light-bearer. 
  • I love the letter L. It’s lovely.

 Cast of Characters

  • Me: Wonderer, wife, mom, writer, adoption expert and educator.
  • Roger (husband): Curious, amusing, and amused, Renaissance-ish.
  • Tessa (daughter): Spirited, courageous, vivacious 20-something.
  • Reed (son): Warrior, sweet, athletic 20-something.
  • Dexter (canine): primary giver and recipient of daily cuddles.