Committed to Service
About Us
how goya came to life
Forged from Experience, Crafting Better Pathways
GOYA, emerged from a palpable void that we, as yoga educators, recognized in the contemporary yoga landscape. In a landscape dominated by the monopoly, we saw the pressing need for a fresh, dynamic entity.
This wasn't about introducing just another name into the mix; it was about creating an organization deeply rooted in genuine inclusivity and adaptability. Where others have maintained a one-size-fits-all approach, we envisioned a space that celebrated diverse voices, methodologies, and traditions.
The traditional paradigms of yoga education and standards often seemed rigid, not evolving with the times or the diverse needs of practitioners. The onset of the pandemic underscored this urgency, leaving teachers and schools grappling to adjust in unprecedented times. Together, we are forging a new narrative.
Without adequate guidance or support, many felt as though they were navigating the storm without a compass, and in some instances, feeling constrained rather than empowered. This highlighted the crucial need for an organization that truly stands alongside its members, offering both flexibility and direction.
GOYA's vision is not just about setting new standards or revamping credentials; it's about reimagining the very fabric of yoga education. We believe in a more fluid, dynamic approach that respects the traditions of yoga while also being receptive to contemporary insights and methodologies. Our goal is to foster a space where each voice not only resonates but holds intrinsic worth.
In essence, GOYA is not just a response to what was lacking, but a proactive step towards shaping an inclusive and adaptable future for yoga education.
Meet the GOYA Guardians
Dive into the heart of GOYA and discover the dedicated souls that breathe life into our vision. Every member brings a unique energy, experience and passion.
Meet the GOYA Guardians
Dive into the heart of GOYA and discover the dedicated souls that breathe life into our vision. Every member brings a unique energy, experience and passion.
Helene Whitfield
Visionary Officer
ECYT500, CCYT, CPYT, CYYT, cryt
As a yogi with a visionary spirit, I have combined my love for mindful practices and my business acumen to create GOYA. With over two decades in the health and wellness industry, my mission has been to cultivate spaces where everyone can find their flow. My leadership has steered GOYA from a concept to a global association for teachers, schools and practitioners. Over the last 15 years, navigating the intricate and frequently perplexing realm of yoga education standards and alliance bodies, I've encountered numerous challenges and frustrations. These experiences led me to deeply consider and envision what my fellow yoga educators and teachers genuinely require from their membership organization.
As a mother and a wife, my journey took a dramatic turn during the pandemic, battling breast cancer and facing the lack of guidance and support from the very organizations meant to provide these to their members. This challenging period crystallized the vision of GOYA.
Determined to rewrite the narrative on what a yoga education and teacher credentialing association should embody, I stand here ready to turn a new page. As a yoga teacher, a yoga teacher trainer, and an avid volunteer for global causes, I have nurtured this dream for many years. I am overjoyed to see this vision come to life and thrilled that you are part of this movement for change.
Andrea McHattie Christensen
Outreach & Inclusivity LEAD
ECYT200
I am a Yoga Teacher with a specialized certification in Trauma-Informed Yoga. My passion lies in creating adaptive yoga experiences for those who might feel out of place in traditional yoga settings or doubt their ability to practice yoga. This passion extends to working with military veterans and first responders.
My background includes 15 years as a social service worker, where I supported and empowered survivors of domestic violence and trauma. As the spouse of a military veteran living with PTSD, I've come to understand the crucial role of self-care, mindfulness, and movement.
I founded "Renew," a series of free self-care and wellness workshops for families of injured military members, veterans, and first responders. These workshops integrate yoga, mindfulness, creative writing, art therapy, sound baths, and meditation.
One of my early yoga lessons was, “If you can breathe, you can do yoga.” My goal is to offer accessible, inclusive yoga to anyone who can benefit from gentle, mindful movement and breathing.
Currently, I work with military veterans, first responders, and survivors of abuse and sexual assault.
I am thrilled to join the GOYA leadership team and eagerly anticipate witnessing the incredible advancements in yoga education.
Mattea Hernandez-Geiter
Support team lead
ECYT200, CCYT
As a dedicated yoga teacher and now the support team leader at GOYA, my journey in the world of yoga has been both transformative and enlightening. With 5 years of experience teaching yoga, I have developed a deep understanding of the art and science of yoga, its profound impact on individuals, and the importance of a supportive community in this practice.
My passion for yoga began as a personal quest for balance and wellness. The more I practiced, the more I realized the potential of yoga to transform lives. This realization propelled me to become a certified yoga instructor, where I found immense joy and fulfillment in guiding others on their yoga journeys.
In my classes, I focused on creating a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment, encouraging students to explore their limits and embrace their unique paths. My teaching style has always been about connecting with each individual, understanding their needs, and helping them find harmony through yoga.
Transitioning to my role at GOYA, I brought this same passion and commitment to supporting our community. As a support team leader, my goal is to ensure that every member who interacts with GOYA feels heard, valued, and empowered.
Sharon Neish
Community Engagement Lead
ECYT500, CRYT, CYYT
As a mother, partner, and dedicated yoga mentor based in Brisbane, Australia, I embody the roles of both teacher and lifelong learner within the enriching realms of health, yoga, and well-being.
For over a quarter of a century, my odyssey has been marked by a deep-seated commitment to growth and contribution. This path was first charted through my writing for respected health publications and in the trenches as a First Responder, where I learned the profound impact of coupling knowledge with compassion.
My vocation has been to cultivate a new generation of yoga educators, imparting wisdom in Mental Health First Aid, Yin Yoga, and Restorative practices. With a vision to render the essence of a holistic lifestyle tangible and achievable for everyone, I continue to evolve as an educator.
Currently, I am deepening my expertise through a Bachelor's degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology, keen on merging the empirical rigour of science with the soulful art of yoga. My aim is to forge a personalized wellness journey for each individual, anchoring the ancient practice of yoga as a potent tool for personal transformation.
Embarking on the GOYA initiative represents a synergistic extension of my life's work. It is with eager anticipation that I look forward to witnessing and shaping the flourishing of this community.
Dr. Lauren Turner
Wellness Program lead
ECYT500, Reiki master, PSY.D
Throughout our lives, many of us encounter emotional challenges. While some issues we can navigate independently, others require deeper exploration with a specialist's help. I am committed to assisting those courageous enough to confront their issues and delve into the underlying causes.
I firmly believe that treating mental health involves more than just addressing the mind. As dynamic, multidimensional beings, our approach to wellness must encompass the body and spirit too. My practice integrates this holistic perspective, informed by my roles as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, a yoga teacher, and a Reiki master.
My areas of expertise include trauma, PTSD, anxiety, yoga therapy, bariatric evaluations, LGBTQ concerns, adjustment disorders, and both neuropsychological and psychological testing. As a trauma and PTSD specialist, I am also a certified clinician in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
My work spans across teens, adults, and couples, employing a comprehensive approach that honours the intricate connection between mind, body, and spirit, with a special emphasis on the healing and balancing powers of yoga.
I am thrilled to join this team and to contribute to transforming the way the yoga community is supported.
Mark Atherton
Learning & Development lead
ECYT500, CRYT, CYYT
I discovered yoga on a journey filled with twists and turns, culminating in a transformative Yoga Teacher Training. Since then, yoga's teachings, practices, and philosophies have become my anchor and lifeline.
In the studio, my classes focus on making yoga accessible to all through innovative cueing, mindful attention, and fostering self-study. As a Yoga Teacher Trainer, my skills in communication and education have taken me around the world and online, guiding aspiring yoga teachers through their own transformative journeys.
Beyond yoga, I am a Classical Singing Teacher and Opera Singer, holding a B.Mus. from the University of British Columbia and running my private vocal studio. My experiences in classical music and vocal pedagogy profoundly shape my approach to yoga education.
I am thrilled to be part of the groundbreaking wave in Yoga Education that GOYA represents, bringing impactful and innovative teaching to the forefront.
Our Guiding Light
GOYA Mission Statement
At GOYA, we are dedicated to cultivating a global community that supports, includes, and empowers Yoga Teachers, Yoga Schools, Wellness Practitioners, and Yoga Students. In these challenging times of a post-pandemic world and economic uncertainty, our mission is to meet the evolving needs of the yoga community, building resilience and fostering growth.
We stand united in our belief that we are more than a community – we are a movement. Our commitment lies in championing the transformative power of yoga, ensuring equitable access to this ancient practice, and sowing the seeds for a more balanced and compassionate world.
Our focus is on setting dynamic standards in yoga education and practice, adapting as the field evolves. We prioritize inclusivity, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds and making yoga accessible to everyone, regardless of location, abilities, or economic status, and catering to the diverse needs of our global community.
Safety, adaptability, and comprehensive instruction are the cornerstones of our practice. We hold our educators to practical and achievable standards of expertise, adaptability, and ethical conduct, ensuring each yoga experience is not only enriching but also safe and tailored to individual needs.
GOYA is committed to promoting equity and fairness within the yoga community, honouring the diverse, multifaceted nature of yoga that respects various cultures and traditions.
At GOYA, we are dedicated to cultivating a global community that supports, includes, and empowers Yoga Teachers, Yoga Schools, Wellness Practitioners, and Yoga Students. In these challenging times of a post-pandemic world and economic uncertainty, our mission is to meet the evolving needs of the yoga community, building resilience and fostering growth.
We stand united in our belief that we are more than a community – we are a movement. Our commitment lies in championing the transformative power of yoga, ensuring equitable access to this ancient practice, and sowing the seeds for a more balanced and compassionate world.
Our focus is on setting dynamic standards in yoga education and practice, adapting as the field evolves. We prioritize inclusivity, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds and making yoga accessible to everyone, regardless of location, abilities, or economic status, and catering to the diverse needs of our global community.
Safety, adaptability, and comprehensive instruction are the cornerstones of our practice. We hold our educators to practical and achievable standards of expertise, adaptability, and ethical conduct, ensuring each yoga experience is not only enriching but also safe and tailored to individual needs.
GOYA is committed to promoting equity and fairness within the yoga community, honouring the diverse, multifaceted nature of yoga that respects various cultures and traditions.