Advanced Teacher Training Apprenticeship Program
With Lama Liz Monson, Lama Willa Blythe Baker and Kathe McKenna
January 1 - December 31, 2026
While NDF already supports the unfolding of teachers through Mitra roles, retreats, and mentoring, this new initiative offers a more sustained and personalized journey. It is an apprenticeship for people who feel a clear calling to the Dharma and to the role of teacher—those for whom this is not just an interest, but a central thread in the tapestry of their lives.
Over the course of the next 3-5 years—grounded in relationship, mutual growth, and the living Dharma—each apprentice will walk a path tailored to their unique background, strengths, and aspirations, supported by the lamas and elders of NDF, as well as their fellow apprentices.
Key Program Dates:
The following retreats and workshops are included in the price of the program. Details will be sent prior to each event.
- NDF’s Annual Teachers’ Retreat (online): January 23 – 25, 2026
- Half-day workshops (online): 1-5pm ET on February 1, May 3, September 26, (fourth date TBD)
- Annual Advanced Teacher Training Apprenticeship Retreat (residential): August 6-9, 2026
Program Cost
Our program fees provide essential support to our non-profit operations and NDF’s mission to spread the Dharma in accessible, relevant, and creative ways. Our goal is that no one misses out on our events due to lack of funds. Thanks to our generous donors, we are able to offer tiered pricing and additional support to fit varied financial situations:
- May All Beings Benefit! *– supporting access for all and general support for NDF operations
- A Middle Way – covering the base cost
- Held in Sangha Loving-kindness – offering ease when financial resources are limiting
If the lowest cost tier creates an obstacle to your participation, please contact Shemaleiah prior to submitting your registration.
* The difference between the May All Beings Benefit! tier and the Middle Way tier will be considered a tax-deductible donation and will be acknowledged as such in writing. Contributing at this level helps us offer financial aid to other participants. Thank you!!
Access to Recordings
NDF offers unlimited access to recordings, which are available in your user dashboard. If you have a user account, please register with the same email you use to log into your dashboard. If not, an account will be created for you using your registration address.
Availability will vary depending on the type of event and the backlog for our precious resource volunteers. Thank you for your patience.
Natural Dharma Fellowship Full Calendar
About the Teachers
Lama Liz Monson
Lama, Managing Teacher, Spiritual Co-Director Elizabeth Monson, PhD, is the Spiritual Co-Director of Natural Dharma Fellowship and the Managing Teacher at Wonderwell Mountain Refuge in Springfield, NH. Liz was authorized as a dharma teacher and lineage holder in the Kagyu Lineage of Tibetan Buddhism after over 30 years of studying, practicing, and teaching Tibetan Buddhism […]
Learn more about Lama Liz Monson
Lama Willa Blythe Baker
Lama Willa Blythe Baker, Ph.D. is the Founder of Natural Dharma Fellowship in Boston, MA and its retreat center Wonderwell Mountain Refuge in Springfield, NH. She was authorized as a dharma teacher and lineage holder in the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism after twelve years of monastic training and two consecutive three-year retreats. She also […]
Learn more about Lama Willa Blythe Baker
Kathe McKenna
Kathe McKenna currently serves as President of Natural Dharma Fellowship’s Board of Directors. She is deeply engaged in shepherding this unique, collaborative Buddhist dharma vessel. She helped launch the feisty, multi-faceted human service provider, Haley House, and led it through 50 years of organic growth. Kathe’s roles as mother, wife, and grandmother have enriched her vision and sparked […]
Learn more about Kathe McKenna