Executive Director

Director of Programs

Program Director

Shawna Johnson has been a resident of New Mexico for six years and has spent her life in and around the mountains of the West. A year ago, she fulfilled a longtime dream by settling in the mountains of Taos, where she now feels honored to support the local community through her work in healing, personal growth, and guiding individuals back to their most authentic selves.

With nearly a decade of personal experience on her own path of healing and transformation, Shawna brings deep empathy and insight to her work in addiction recovery. She finds profound purpose in walking alongside others as they reclaim their wholeness and is continually inspired by the courage and growth of those she supports.

Outside of her work, Shawna finds nourishment in nature and can often be found exploring the local trails with her beloved dog, Surya. The beauty of New Mexico is a constant source of inspiration for her. She also enjoys yoga, dance, and the occasional snowy adventure on the slopes.

Nita van der Werff is a practicing artist and conservationist. She has been a photographer, landscape designer and ceramic artist.  As a Master Gardener, she believes in the importance of organic farming/gardening and sustainability. She grows food for others and mentors young people in the life of the land.

She works with two beautiful, public gardens in the Santa Barbara area, Lotusland and Taft Gardens.   She’s on the board of inewsource,  a non-profit investigative news organization that serves the San Diego area and beyond.   Nita is also a recent trustee of The Nature Conservancy of New Mexico as well as an honorary trustee of the San Diego Natural History Museum. 

She grew up in San Diego and received a bachelor’s degree in political science and art history from San Diego State University.   Her early career was in public television.   Her home has been the Galapagos, Holland, Australia, Washington, D.C., and St. Louis.  She now lives in Taos, New Mexico.

Nita and her husband, Henk, have two daughters and five grandchildren.  They share a love for adventure and nature and believe in the importance of helping others .Description goes here

TWCH Board Member

TWCH Board Member