Wataya was born and raised in South Africa.  In 1994 she went traveling around the world and is still at it eleven years later. While living in London in 1995, she discovered yoga.   “Yoga has transformed me and continues to do so, it’s pure and simple magic!” 

Wataya studied many styles with extraordinary teachers over the years yet hadn’t found the one that moved her enough to teach. In 1999 the Omega Institute in upstate New York blessed her life.  For almost a year she lived, worked and studied at the Omega Institute, deepening her Sadhanna.  When the Omega season was over, Wataya moved to New York City, where she prayed for a teacher. In 2001 a Shaktipat bestowing Guru, Gurumayi Chidvilasanada, a Siddha Yoga Meditation master graced her life and soon after Anusara yoga manifested. This is what her Spirit wanted to learn and share!  In 2003 Wataya moved from New York to the Bay area to study Anusara Yoga with Jim and Ruthie Berneatt and John Friend, amongst other fabulous Anusara teachers.  Wataya teaches in San Francisco and the East Bay.  She loves to write and is a published poet; she also loves to dance, paint and travel.

Focusing nearly exclusively on Anusara’s heart oriented practice with an emphasis on the universal principles of alignment.  “Yoga allows me to help students and myself to work in harmony with nature and to step into the Universal flow of Grace so as to experience the Power within ourselves.  From a yoga practice, which awakens and inspires, may we move toward a greater understanding of ourselves and the world in which we live.  May all beings love themselves, be happy, healthy, peaceful and abundant.”