Golden Willow Retreat

04/11/2026

This week on “Voices of Taos,” reporter Olivia Lewis sits down for a conversation with Ted Wiard, licensed therapist, certified grief counselor and founder and director of Golden Willow Retreat in Arroyo Hondo. Wiard was a Taos News Citizen of the Year in 2020.

Listen now for free at taosnews.com/podcast

04/01/2026

Today we honor our founder, Ted Wiard, for his 64th birthday, for his official retirement as Executive Director of Golden Willow Retreat, and for his transition to our Board of Directors! Since founding Golden Willow with his wife Marcella 25 years ago, his passion, dedication, and service have helped thousands, from Taos County to internationally, through the difficult work of navigating grief.

We stand in gratitude to all he’s accomplished and the work he’s done to ensure Golden Willow will thrive into the future. We will continue to be a sanctuary of healing and of service to those in need, and look forward to continuing to support the people of Taos and New Mexico.

As Ted steps away from day-to-day operations, we welcome Rebecca Ford, our longtime Director of Operations, as our new Executive Director. We can’t wait to see what she, along with Clinical Director Karsyn Lahann and their skilled Golden Willow team, will build in the future.

This year will be one of Celebration for Golden Willow - for it’s 25th anniversary, for the incredible legacy of Ted Wiard’s life’s work and his new role as Board President, and for the bright future of the organization he founded and built. Please save the dates – we invite you to join us in celebrating Golden Willow Retreat’s 25 years of service on July 25th, 2026 at our annual butterfly release and on October 25th, 2026 for a celebration dinner in the Taos Ski Valley.

03/30/2026

Registration open for the next Trauma Grief and Renewal course - Dying to Know - Issues of Death and Dying for the Professional on April 11 & 12 via zoom. 16 CEUs offered as we explore the transitional process of death and how we might support those going through and those walking beside. Call or text 575-776-4862 for questions or help with registration! 🤍
https://newearth.regfox.com/nei-registration-form

03/25/2026

In addition to presenting the annual Totally Wiard award, last night Golden Willow Retreat and Ted Wiard were honored by Taos Ski Valley for 25 years of collaboration and service. We are grateful for the chance to serve our community and its people.

Stay tuned for more updates about Golden Willow Retreat celebrating 25 years of service. 🎊

03/21/2026

03/16/2026

Loss of Partner workshop happening this weekend at Golden Willow Retreat this weekend, March 20th-22nd. If you have any questions or want to register please reach out to Rebecca at 575-776-2024 or click the link below 🤍
https://www.goldenwillowretreat.org/workshops-events/loss-of-a-partner-workshop/

01/19/2026

Remembering and honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr today and may we all find the light and love needed for this world. 🤍

01/12/2026

2026 workshops and events can now be found on our website goldenwillowretreat.org

Thank you for the continued support in the new year and may we all continue to honor our grief in a healthy way 🤍

12/19/2025

Have an interest in grief and trauma work or know someone who does? The new year can be an opportunity to explore different interests or callings. Join us for Counseling Skills for Trauma and Grief on 1/3 and 1/4 offered by Southwestern College and New Earth Institute. Register the link below!

https://newearth.regfox.com/nei-registration-form

12/04/2025

Our next in person grief group cycle* in Taos will begin next Tuesday 12/9 with a special Winter Solstice potluck taking place on Tuesday 12/16. We invite any one in our community to join us for a potluck and an evening honoring our loved ones.

*Grief group will not take place on Tuesday 12/23 and will resume on Tuesday 12/30.

12/02/2025

Golden Willow Retreat Giving Tuesday 2025 - https://mailchi.mp/newmex/golden-willow-retreat-giving-tuesday-2025

Giving Tuesday is the global day of unity and giving. As you know, we are a nonprofit dedicated to promoting healthy grieving by empowering people impacted by all forms of loss. We envision a world where grief is considered a normal, natural, and healthy part of life. We can’t do this important work without your help! You can donate on our website or scan the QR code. We are so grateful for your support!