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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 better serve adoptees and their parents.
  • 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
Lori Holden adoption expert

Projects

Books

Adoption Unfiltered: Revelations from Adoptees, Birth Parents, Adoptive Parents, and Allies is the new groundbreaking book I co-authored with adoptee Sara Easterly and birth parent Kelsey Vander Vliet Ranyard. Through 50 qualitative interviews with those representing a diverse range of adoption experiences, it aims to unfiltered the adoption experience for all and provide pathways for hope and healing. See news of its debut in print and on an NBC affiliate.

The Open-Hearted Way to Open Adoption: Helping Your Child Grow Up Whole, includes the experience and perspective of my daughter’s first mom, Crystal Hass, and is on suggested and required reading lists at adoption agencies across the US. Recommended by People magazine in the US and Chatelaine magazine in Canada, it is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and e-book versions.

Are you a yoga teacher? Explore the Root To Rise Yoga Teaching Method in Standing Room Only | How to Be THAT Yoga Teacher, co-written with yoga teacher extraordinaire—and my sister—Sheri Fisher.

Podcast

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

Video Series

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

What Coaching Clients Say

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-seeker. 
  • 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.