Monica Staniforth

Monica Staniforth has been inspiring people through movement, nature, and yoga for over three decades. A former county netball player in New Zealand and an outdoor pursuits leader, Monica brings the vitality of sport, the resilience of the outdoors, and the deep wisdom of yoga into everything she teaches.

For more than 35 years she has taught Dru Yoga Teacher Training across Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and extensively throughout the UK. She has also led workshops, seminars, and retreats worldwide, guiding thousands of students to discover their natural potential and awaken their inner wisdom.

Monica is especially loved for her profound ability to create peace and stillness. Her guided relaxations are often described as deeply restorative, helping people reconnect with their bodies and uncover the privilege of being alive in such a remarkable human form. Her work extends into forest bathing and nature connection, where she invites people to sit with the ancient wisdom of trees, rivers, mountains, and the Earth itself.

For Monica, Dru Yoga is “the best empowerment tool” because it is accessible to all, bypasses the busy mind, and awakens the heart — the seat of natural wisdom. She delights in seeing people transform: finding clarity, making better choices, and sharing their best selves with the world.

Her love of nature is woven through her life; she has planted countless trees with students and friends, creating forests as a legacy for the planet. “The fastest way to be happy,” she says, “is to spend time in nature. When we connect with the Earth, we remember who we truly are.”