ABOUT

Lori Krause - The Hand Holders

I am originally from West Bloomfield, Michigan, and have called San Diego, California home for nearly 25 years. I am a photographer, baker, and aficionado of all things mid-century design and art deco. I love spending time with my husband, Brian; our fur baby, Maizee; and my loved ones.

Hello. Thank you for connecting with me.

To be of service to others during the most vulnerable times of their lives is my life’s purpose. I created Hand Holders to offer safe, compassionate, welcoming space for those processing life’s deep emotions and challenges. I believe every person has the desire to feel they matter, be supported, and be heard.

My personal experience of living with someone with chronic illness; the death of my husband at a young age; the sudden loss of my father; my grandmother’s suicide; the death of several friends; the inability to have children; a move across the country; the loss of a business; and the loss of my fur baby are what led me to become a death doula and grief specialist. Each of these journeys transformed me profoundly.

Sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

- Andy Rooney

Testimonial

“Although much of Lori's expertise and professional focus is on grief and loss, I’d say her specialty and true gift is in giving others hope.”

Testimonial

“I'll always be grateful for her work and what it's done for my family.”

Testimonial

“Lori’s amazing. When talking with her, she has a warm presence that makes you feel safe and comfortable when speaking about yourself. I opened about things I never talked about with anyone else.

Our workshop with her was the same experience; it’s actually what got me comfortable enough to approach her. Having another resource for our group will help us grow, mentally and physically. As our Fanconi anemia family grows, Fanconi Cancer Foundation will need increased assistance with our needs and concerns. Lori’s a great addition to our family.”

 

Testimonial

“Working with Lori has been an absolute pleasure—both professionally and personally. She’s not only incredibly skilled at designing workshops and facilitating discussions, but she also brings a rare level of understanding to those navigating life with a rare disease or chronic illness. Her warmth and compassion have made her an invaluable part of the Fanconi anemia community, creating safe spaces for healing, connection, and support. She’s always open to our ideas while bringing fresh perspectives of her own, and her impact is deeply felt. We’re so grateful for her partnership!”

 

-Jordan

Testimonial

“Working with Lori has been not only a wonderful and easy experience on a professional level, but she’s also become an incredible asset to the Fanconi anemia community. Her warm and welcoming presence was immediately embraced by our tight-knit group, allowing her to foster meaningful connections with those she supports. The groups she’s facilitated—whether for the bereaved, care partners, or individuals living with the disease—have provided a vital space for healing, understanding, and support. Lori brings a rare level of understanding to those navigating life with rare disease or chronic illness and is dedicated to truly understanding our community’s unique challenges. She’s always willing to take on the projects and sessions we suggest, while also sharing new and unique ideas to integrate further support for our community. Her impact is profound and lasting.”

 

-Jordan

Testimonial

“Lori’s impact on the MIB Agents community is strong, beautiful, and powerful. She’s wonderful to work with. We’re so grateful our bereaved parent community is cared for by Lori.” 

 

-Ann Graham, Founder of MIB Agents

Testimonial

“Lori’s been a guest presenter for both the Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Degree program and our symposium on End of Life Care. Lori's thoughtfulness and care when discussing End of Life support creates a unique safe space for my students. She has a wonderful, supportive way of engaging and connecting with people on a difficult topic. Her depth of knowledge coupled with her desire to continue to learn stands out during lectures.” 

 

-Robyn Sodders, EdD, DAOM, Dean of Five Branches University DAOM Program

Testimonial

“Lori, your open, calming presence with us today was such a gift: gentle conceptual guidance; subtle, deft management of the verbal journey with my family members; calm and rational energy; and your valuable time -- those would be happy, grateful tears. Thank you so much for superbly modeling for me what effective healing communication looks like.”

 

-Catherine

Testimonial

“Lori’s an extraordinary coach and it’s a privilege to work with her. During a time of significant loss in my life, Lori continues to provide a safe and compassionate space for me to not only explore but also lean into my grief journey. She has a gentle and respectful way of asking me questions that help me get to the core of my experience. At the same time, she reflects the progress I continue to make back to me and helps me tap into my deepest strength. Although much of Lori's expertise and professional focus is on grief and loss, I’d say her specialty and true gift is in giving others hope.”

 

RuthAnn

Testimonial

“Thank you so much for supporting me and helping me navigate my feelings after the death of my mother this year. You have a compassionate manner and you listen intentionally. I appreciate the way you helped me unpack and reframe the way I was feeling in my grief. Your patience is remarkable. You guided me to appreciate the through line of my work, taking time to appreciate and be grateful for growth while letting me loop back when I needed to. You offered such wonderful support to me as I moved through different phases of grief. I’m so grateful that I was able to work with you.”

 

-Karen

Testimonial

“I want to thank you again for the time you spent with my mom and our family during my mom's final weeks. Your compassion, experience, and willingness to listen and hold space for our needs really made this process so much better for us.”

 

-Angie