Creating Change Through The Goldfinch Foundation
In this episode of the NFM Podcast, hosts Terry Barga and Abby Miranda sit down with Elisabeth Willers, the Founder and CEO of The Goldfinch Foundation. Elisabeth shares the inspiring story of what led her to start the foundation, what their mission is, and the impact they’re making. She also opens up about the meaning behind the name “Goldfinch”, how it came to be, and what it represents in her journey of purpose and giving back. If you’re passionate about leadership, community, and building something that makes a difference, this episode is for you.
Turning Grief into Purpose: Dr. Liz Willers and the Goldfinch Foundation
New Waters Recovery - Finding New Waters Podcast
Feb 12, 2025
In this deeply moving episode of "Finding New Waters", we sit down with Dr. Elisabeth "Liz" Willers, a physician and the founder of the Goldfinch Foundation, created in honor of her late son, Owen. After losing Owen to an unintentional overdose, Dr. Willers channeled her grief into advocacy, working to change the culture around mental health and addiction among young people. She shares Owen’s story, the stigma surrounding mental health struggles, and how her foundation empowers teenagers to openly discuss their challenges. Through vulnerability, education, and the arts, the Goldfinch Foundation is helping to shift how we approach youth mental wellness and substance use awareness.
Breaking the Silence: The Power of Vulnerability in Mental Health
A powerful conversation with Dr. Willers and The Goldfinch Foundation, exploring the deep connection between emotional well-being, physical health, and the courage to speak openly.
“Extremely vulnerable testimony from Dr. Willers. It underscores the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health along with the ongoing stigma around the topic (something that Voya speaks to in much of our external media conversations).”
“And this is very powerful and relevant to many people. Kristina, you did a nice job facilitating the conversation.”
Voya Financial and The Goldfinch Foundation are not affiliated entities, the opinions and views expressed in the video are those of the participants and may not reflect the views of Voya, and this video is not an endorsement by Voya.
This Nashville Mom Transformed Her Grief
Into a Lifeline for Youth
After the sudden death of her son, Owen, Dr. Elisabeth “Liz” Willers found herself searching for meaning in the middle of unimaginable grief. What emerged was The Goldfinch Foundation — a Nashville nonprofit built on creativity, connection, and hope.
Read the full story on Style Blueprint
Wellness in Action
The Goldfinch Foundation truly appreciates Stroll Belle Meade magazine for their February article highlighting our foundation and the ways we empower young people to strengthen mental health and foster meaningful community connection.
Stroll Belle Meade Features Heather Moreau-Kralj and The GFF
The Goldfinch Foundation is honored to be featured in the June 2026 issue of Stroll Belle Meade, highlighting both individual impact and community-wide engagement across Nashville.
Pages 8–9 feature local runner, therapist, and neighbor Heather Moreau-Kralj, whose story of perseverance and purpose includes her extraordinary 350-mile endurance run in support of youth mental health and in honor of Owen Willers. Her journey reflects the heart of what it means to use personal passion in service of something larger than oneself.
Page 17 highlights recent Goldfinch Foundation events, including the Into the Light 5K, Illumination, and Patron Party. Together, these events showcase the growing community of students, families, and supporters committed to connection, creativity, and mental wellness.
Read the features on pages 8-9 and 17 of the June 2026 issue of Stroll Belle Meade magazine
From Passion to Practice: How a Critical Care Physician Embraced Lifestyle and Wellness Medicine
“I learned that lifestyle medicine isn’t an alternative to traditional care—it’s the foundation of it.”
In Harvard Medical School’s Lifestyle Medicine and Wellness Coaching Immersion, Elisabeth Willers, MD, saw her long-standing interest in wellness embraced within a rigorous academic setting, connecting research on resilience and social connection with real-world practice and her work at The Goldfinch Foundation.
Read the full article on the Harvard Medical School website.
