Meet the Team
At Last Call Ventures, we believe in the power of community, collaboration, and creativity. Our team brings a diverse range of skills and experiences to every project—whether we’re guiding a family through end-of-life planning or producing a community-wide festival.
Lauren Ponder — Founder, Director & Death Doula
Lauren is the heart behind Last Call Ventures and the founder of With Love. As a certified End-of-Life Planner, educator, speaker, and event planner, Lauren’s work centers around death literacy, legacy celebration, and compassionate care. She brings a warm, grounded presence to every conversation—whether one-on-one or in front of hundreds. Lauren also teaches doula certification courses and leads Advance Healthcare Directive workshops for individuals and organizations.
Kristina Golden — Event Manager
Kristina is a Certified End-of-Life Doula, Certified Grief Doula, and Certified Pet Doula. She specializes in death positive education and advocacy, with a deep commitment to supporting LGBTQIA2S+ communities and individuals experiencing estranged grief. As an Event Manager for Last Call Ventures (and With Love), Kristina brings calm, clarity, and connection to every gathering. She is especially passionate about creating grief-informed spaces that allow people to show up exactly as they are.
Kelly Tecklenburg — Event Manager | RIP (Read in Peace) Book Club Facilitator
Kelly brings creative vision and enthusiastic coordination to each event she supports. Her background in marketing and media, gives her a unique lens on how to make the mortality awareness space feel inclusive, engaging, and beautiful. Kelly specializes in helping individuals and families “right-size” through the art of Swedish Death Cleaning—making space for what matters most. Kelly is also a member of the Internal Order of Odd Fellows and sexton of Wildey Cemetery in Washington, MO, location for Telephone of the Wind. For With Love and Last Call Ventures, Kelly shows up with curiosity, humor, and warmth.
Brian Krueger — Community Advocate
Brian is a steadfast supporter of Last Call (and With Love) and a driving force behind many of our events. As a Community Advocate, he ensures that the logistical and practical elements of each gathering run smoothly. With a keen eye for detail and a genuine passion for the mission, Brian helps build welcoming, well-organized spaces where people can connect, reflect, and feel supported. He’s also a natural networker, continually forging meaningful relationships that strengthen our community and expand our reach.