Events

Crisis Happens.
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Upcoming Events
For more information, please reach out.
Transformational Grief Workshop Series
Hosted by Empowered Endings Foundation in partnership with The Elizabeth Hospice
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Facilitated by Laing Rikkers & Lori Krause
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Location: Expressive Arts @ 32nd & Thorn
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Series: 1st Saturday of the month @ 1-3 pm
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June 7
Come join us for a series of three 2-hour workshops to transform grief into hope and resilience. The workshops will be led by Lori Krause, a grief specialist, and Laing Rikkers, author of the award-winning book Morning Leaves: Reflections on Loss, Grief, and Connection. We will explore the power of nature, art, and connection in the healing process by listening to and writing poetry, creating our own journals, doing crafts, and engaging in group discussions. We hope you can join us for this beautiful and refreshing series of events.
Past Events
Transformational Grief Workshop Series
Facilitated by Author & Lori Krause: Still in Session
Poetry as a Mirror, The Surviving Siblings Virtual Summit
Online Workshop: May 3, 2025
California Independent Booksellers Alliance (CALIBA), Fall Fest 2024
Book Signing: September 18, 2024
2024 American Library Association Annual Conference
Book Signing: San Diego
Barnes & Nobel, Chattanooga
Author Talk: April 27, 2024
The Surviving Siblings Summit
Panelist, Virtual Event: April 20, 2024
Grossmont Healthcare District’s Health & Wellness Library
Author Talk: March 12, 2024
Barnes & Noble, Minneapolis
Author Talk with Tim Frantzich: December 3, 2024
Julie’s Beach Life, Hwy 101 Del Mar
Author Signing: November 25th, 2024
Elegance Berkeley
Author Talk: November 11, 2024
Rancho Santa Fe Historical Society
Author Talk: November 16, 2024
Warwick’s Bookstore
Author Signing: September 10, 2023
The Harvard COOP
Author and Illustrator Talk: August 31, 2023
Stonington CT
Author Talk: August 28, 2023
The Learning Community for Loss, Grief and Transition
Virtual Author Talk: August 26, 2023
Emily Joubert San Francisco
Author Signing: August 13, 2023
Barnes & Noble, Los Angeles
Author Talk with Charmaine Craig: July19, 2023
Senior Resources Group
Virtual Author Talk: June 21, 2023
American Library Association
Author Signing: June 19, 2023
The Gardener Store
Author Signing: June 14, 2023
Viamonte at Walnut Creek
Author Talk: June 9, 2023
Barnes & Noble, Encinitas
Author Talk: May 27, 2023
La Vida Real
Author and Illustrator Talk: May 19, 2023
La Vida Del Mar
Author and Illustrator Talk: May 19, 2023
Launch Party
May 18, 2023

Expert Guidance at Critical Times
With 30 years of corporate leadership experience, I specialize in crisis management and grief support for senior executives. I understand the weight of high-stakes roles and have faced many of the same challenges that you may be experiencing. Whether it’s managing loss, burnout, or navigating life-altering moments, I help leaders stay grounded and focused while managing both personal and professional crises.

Tailored Solutions for Personal & Professional Growth
I provide the tools and strategies that focus on both strategic performance and emotional recovery. Whether you’re looking to grow through adversity, process loss, or maintain focus, I’ll guide you every step of the way. Together, we’ll create a resilient culture within your organization that helps everyone thrive through challenging times.

Click onto each option for more information.
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Expertise That Makes a Difference
As an award-winning author and a 30-year corporate veteran, I bring a unique perspective to my coaching. My approach blends leadership skills with empathy, offering you the support and tools needed during even the most challenging moments. Having encountered many of the same challenges you face, I’m committed to guiding you and your team through adversity and loss. Together, we will navigate through these challenges and emerge wiser, stronger, and better equipped to handle whatever comes next.
How We Can Work Together
Confidential, one-on-one support to help you process grief, manage stress, and regain focus.
Creating a culture of resilience by building emotional intelligence within your leadership team so you are prepared for times of uncertainty.
Through keynotes and hands-on workshops, I help individuals and teams reflect, reset, and grow through life’s most challenging moments.
Start your journey with "Morning Leaves" and other resources designed to support healing and reflection during difficult times.
Laing was a true asset during a time of organizational crisis. Her expertise in handling high-stress situations is unmatched, but what sets her apart is her emotional intelligence. I saw firsthand how Laing handled her own personal challenges with grace and strength while continuing to support the rest of us. Her ability to balance both empathy and strategic thinking makes her an exceptional coach and leader.
John C. Chopack
Private Equity Executive
Laing leads with rare wisdom, empathy, and strength. She’s walked through profound loss and emerged with a calm, grounded presence that inspires trust and confidence. Anyone navigating high-stakes leadership or personal hardship would be lucky to have her in their corner.
Scott Schimmel
President, YouSchool
Laing is a professional of the highest integrity and character, making her an excellent mirror for any executive or organization. She has a rare courage to reflect what one needs to hear, not necessarily what one wants to hear, or what is popular. These qualities make Laing an invaluable resource for a wide range of situations, from grief interventions to executive coaching and strategic planning sessions. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with her. She has made me a better leader.
Len Liptak
Co-Founder & CEO, ProSomnus Sleep Technologies
Partnering with Laing Rikkers has been invaluable during the journey of launching Tighties. Navigating the complexities of establishing a new business—from securing adequate funding and conducting thorough market research to building a reliable team and crafting effective marketing strategies—presented numerous challenges. Laing's strategic insights and unwavering support were instrumental in addressing these hurdles. Her guidance not only helped refine our business plan but also ensured we remained adaptable and resilient in a competitive market.
Krystal Gillis
Founder & CEO, Tighties
I had the pleasure of not only reading Laing Rikkers’s contemplative book, “Morning Leaves”, but also of listening to her speak at a workshop with The Learning Community for Loss, Grief and Transition. Her gentle voice and manner inspired participants to connect with nature while she encouraged folks to share their individual grief journeys. Each page of Laing’s book is thoughtfully intertwined with beautiful botanical illustrations. I highly recommend reading this book as well as inviting her for speaking engagements.
Kris Masalsky
President
The Learning Community for Loss, Grief and Transition
Laing consistently leads with honesty, transparency, and a deep respect for others. Her strong communication skills foster trust and clarity at every level, whether she's facilitating difficult conversations, coaching leaders, or aligning teams around a shared vision. With deep knowledge of Human Resources best practices, Laing brings a thoughtful, people-centered approach to everything from talent development to culture transformation. She is the kind of leader who not only understands systems and structure, but also sees and supports the individuals within them.
Heather Rider
Board Director (Inogen), former Board Director (ProSomnus & Intricon) & retired global HR executive (ASML, Intuitive Surgical)