Our History
The Buddhist Center was founded in 1996 by Tim Olmsted in an effort to share the Buddha’s teachings and support those already practicing Buddhism or other spiritual teachings in the Yampa Valley and beyond.
Tim has been a student of the teachings since meeting his first teacher, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, in Boulder, Colorado, in the mid-1970s.
In 1981, Tim and his family moved to Kathmandu, Nepal, at the invitation of the great meditation masters Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche and his son Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche. Living in Nepal gave him access to the teachings of many of the great teachers of our time. Tim also maintained a busy psychotherapy practice during his years in Nepal.
In 1994, Tim returned from Kathmandu and moved to Steamboat Springs. Two years later, he founded the Buddhist Center.
In 2000, Tim was asked by Pema Chödrön to become the director of Gampo Abbey. Tim and his wife, Glenna, lived at the abbey for the next three years.
Tim is one of the founders and senior instructors of the Tergar Meditation Community, under the guidance of Mingyur Rinpoche, the youngest son of Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche. He has led Joy of Living meditation retreats and other programs featuring Mingyur Rinpoche’s teachings.
Tim is also a founder and board member of the Yongey Foundation, which supports Mingyur Rinpoche’s activities in Nepal, India, and Tibet. He serves as president of the Pema Chödrön Foundation, which supports the monastic tradition in the West and organizations serving communities in the West and Asia.
Glenna is an artist and has been a realtor in Steamboat Springs for many years. She has served as one of the BCSS dekyongs, who watch over the well-being of the community and respond to needs as they arise. She has also served as Pema Chödrön’s executive assistant.
Celebrating 30 Years of Teachings, Practice & Community
In honor of 30 years of the Buddhist Center and Tim’s teaching in the Yampa Valley and beyond, a commemorative book was created and dedicated to Tim Olmsted.
The book celebrates the people, moments, and teachings that have shaped our shared journey.
On August 31, 2026, the book was presented to Tim in celebration of the Buddhist Center’s 30th anniversary. A video of the presentation and Tim’s acceptance of the book is also available.