Winter Sports Coordinator

Marie Bush serves as the Winter Sports Coordinator of WOW Taos. She grew up on the prairies of Oklahoma, but has loved Taos since 1998 when she first summited Wheeler Peak as a teen on an 8-day backpacking excursion with her friends from summer camp. Since then, she's gone on to live and work in several different countries. Marie thoroughly enjoys working with youth and having fun in nature. Seeing her young friends thrive and discover their unique greatness has been one of the most rewarding experiences of her life. Marie is thrilled to be joining the WOW team and hopes this season will bring plenty of deep snow, unforgettable conversations on the chairlift, and memories to last a lifetime.

Community Outreach Coordinator

Julia Okanee serves as the Native Community Outreach Coordinator of WOW Taos. More to come…

Co Chairperson

Sage Yardley serves as Board Co-Chair of WOW Taos, bringing both leadership and a deep personal commitment to youth development. As a parent of two children in the program and a member of Taos Pueblo, Sage is passionate about creating opportunities for young people to grow through sports, health, and fitness. She believes strongly in the power of athletics to build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Her vision as board chair is rooted in ensuring that all youth, including her own children, feel empowered by the experiences and lessons they gain through WOW Taos programs. Guided by both personal investment and community pride, Sage works to strengthen the organization’s mission of fostering wellness, leadership, and opportunity for the next generation.

Co Chairperson

Cheryl Romero brings deep experience and personal connection to her role on the WOW Taos board. With an extensive career at Taos Ski Valley, Cheryl has built her life and work around the mountains and the outdoor industry. As the sister of Charles N. Romero—honored through the WOW Taos ski program—she carries forward his legacy of empowering Pueblo youth through skiing and snowboarding. A proud member of Taos Pueblo, Cheryl is dedicated to encouraging young people to see the outdoors not only as a place for recreation, but also as a pathway to meaningful careers. Her leadership reflects a commitment to preserving cultural roots while opening doors for the next generation to thrive in both sport and profession.

Secretary

Ted Ning serves on the board of WOW Taos, driven by his lifelong passion for the outdoors and his conviction in its ability to foster confidence and resilience. A former competitive skier and coach, Ted has firsthand experience with how skiing and snowboarding cultivate life skills that extend far beyond the slopes. He is passionate about ensuring that young people, especially those from underserved communities, have access to these transformative opportunities. Through his role with WOW Taos, Ted works to expand pathways for youth to engage with the outdoors, develop leadership, and strengthen community connections. His commitment reflects both a deep appreciation for the sport that shaped his own journey and a dedication to helping the next generation thrive.

Treasurer

Maria Romero serves as Treasurer of WOW Taos, bringing both financial stewardship and a deep-rooted commitment to her community. A member of Taos Pueblo, Maria dedicated many years to working at the Taos Day School, where she built strong connections with children and families and witnessed their growth well beyond the classroom. Her experiences have given her unique insight into the needs and potential of Pueblo youth. Maria is especially passionate about creating opportunities for Indigenous kids to thrive, both in school and through outdoor and community programs. Through her role at WOW Taos, she combines her professional expertise with her dedication to ensuring the next generation has access to resources, mentorship, and pathways to success.

Chris is a mogul skiing competition judge, physicist, professor and journeyman electrician — not necessarily in that order. He descends from the Lakota and has a driving interest in helping his tribe and equipping Native-run businesses. 

More to come…