Our Teachers – Relax Yoga

Not all yoga is made alike. Every yoga teacher is on their own journey, following their own path, teaching with their own style and passion. We all bring our self to our class to share our love and light with you, as we share our own interpretation of this ancient healing practice.

Tes Steele - Adults & Kids Yoga Instructor

Relax Yoga Studio Owner and Manager

Yoga Australia Registered Instructor

Yoga has been with me my whole life, though until I was 26 I didn’t know what yoga was much less that it what I was seeking or doing. I intuitively collected fragments of a yoga lifestyle and practice from other sources like sport, music, poetry, art, the wondrous sounds of country silence, the biomedical study of the human body. Sometimes I wonder what my earlier life would have been like had I understood what I was doing when I engaged in such activities to help quench my thirst for understanding and balance my energy. Could I have escaped my anxiety? Could my teenage years have been less awkward? Could I have sooner let go of the fear that prevented me from participating in so many fun activities until my middle 30s? I think perhaps yes – all of those things. But looking back is fruitless if not to appreciate the lessons of the path I have lived in coming to be the person I am today.

Today I am a Yogi. I am free, I am playful, I am adventurous, I am loving, I am kind, I am compassionate, I am strong, I am calm, I am light hearted and I am happy. My absolute passion is in sharing the pure joy and relaxation of yoga with people of all ages and abilities. Much of modern culture makes little sense to me, but sharing a path to a joyous life – that makes perfect sense. And so that is what I do.

Training

Yoga Therapist Training Program (Yoga Vaidya Sala, India) (Currently Studying)
Foundations of Viniyoga (Australian Yoga Therapy Association) (2017)
Yoga Nidra Meditation (Yoga and Integrative Medicine Institute) (2016)
Ayurvedic Massage and Emotional Bodywork (Yoga and Integrative Medicine Institute) (2016)
Yoga Therapy for Kids (Zenergy Yoga for Kids) (2016)
Kids Yoga Foundation Course (Zenergy Yoga for Kids) (2016)
Healers Course (Inc. Reiki Masters, Sound Healing, Crystal Therapy, Voice Dialogue) (My Health Yoga) (2015)
Level 1 Yoga Teaching (350hr) (My Health Yoga) (2014)
Children’s Yoga Foundation Training (Angel Yoga 4 Kids) (2013)
University Of Queensland – Bachelor of Science Honours (Biochemistry) (2001)
Flinders Univeristy of South Australia – Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science & Molecular Biology) (1998)

Lisa Preston - Adults Yoga Instructor

Relax Yoga Studio Assistant Studio Manager

Lisa’s love and dedication of yoga is truly felt when you step into her class. Creating a safe and sacred space for all, regardless of level of experience.

Teaching from her heart, she will guide you through a practice that allows you to be physically challenged whilst also allowing mind and body harmony and balance. Lisa’s classes blend traditional Hatha with creative flows, Yin and restorative.

Lisa believes that there is no better way to nurture and strengthen yourself and is grateful to be able to share her practice with you.

Jane Esslemont - Dru Yoga Instructor

When you discover something that is so good for you its natural to want to share it; teaching dru yoga has become as much a gift to myself as it is a gift to others – “I teach what I need to learn” is my truth.

With a background as an Occupational Therapist specialising in mental health I am passionate about the need to slow down in our busy lives, to embrace “being” rather than doing. Dru Yoga helps to bring me back to myself, the benefits have a ripple effect and offer the opportunity to come into a fresh way of being. A pom by origin, I moved to Australia with the love of my life in 1997 following several years living and working a fun but hectic London lifestyle. Travel has been a big focus, some of the most challenging and exhilarating times of my life have been the many adventures experienced in different countries and cultures including time spent in India, the birth place of yoga. But nothing compares to the awe and wonder of becoming a mum to my 3 beautiful children who have proved to be my greatest teachers and my inspiration for wanting to do better by them by doing better by me. As with any journey along the way there have been challenges that have helped shape my approach to life now including an illness that caused irreparable damage to my facial nerve – a potent reminder that the need to take care of myself was literally staring me in the face.

I have achieved 3 things in my life that I never imagined doing; climbing 4000 metres to Annapurna base camp in the heart of the Himalayas, skydiving out of a plane at 14,000 feet and most surprising of all for a generally inflexible, wine loving, meat eater, becoming a yoga teacher!!!

I have been lucky enough to experience many yoga classes over the years, always drawn to the essence of switching off from the outside world for a while and tuning into myself. The physical practices were great for helping me become more flexible in body and mind, toning strengthening my muscles whilst simultaneously building inner strength and resilience. The gentle non competitive approach of yoga was a relief for my perfectionistic “long list of things to do” nature, enabling me to let go, to be kinder to myself. Then when I least expected it I found Dru Yoga, or it found me, I’m not really sure but instantly I felt I had found the piece of the puzzle that had been missing – I found the tool that helps to connect me to my highest potential and guides me to stand in my best self. So today, I am a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, an aunty, a friend and a Dru Yoga teacher and it feels like the most natural place to be.

Belinda Cunningham

Yoga captivated Belinda from her very first sip when she was introduced to yoga at High school. Over the years she has found herself continuously being drawn back to her mat and enjoying the benefits of increased strength and flexibility and that feeling of relaxation and calm that she calls the ‘yoga glow’ after a class.

These days she also appreciates the deeper reflection and awareness that the practice allows as it draws the attention inward to a profound mind body connection.

Belinda has spent the past 20 years in education, so it was only natural that her love for educating and passion for yoga eventually combined when she completed her 350 hour Yoga Teacher Training.

Her classes are alignment focused, centred on the breath and cater for all levels of experience and flexibility with options offered to make yoga accessible for all bodies as every body is different.

Jokingly Belinda likes to say she is a professional relaxer as she is passionate about sharing the powerful relaxation benefits of yoga and balancing an active yoga practice with a profound experience of relaxation through restorative yoga and yoga nidra.

If you have any questions please ask her after class as she enjoys discussing all things yoga.

Siobhan Teirney - Adults & Mixed Teens Yoga Instructor

The thing I love most about teaching yoga is how it offers the ability for each person to find an internal still place where busy minds can be silenced, however momentarily. This is the biggest benefit I personally get from practising yoga too, and I love seeing others open themselves to the same stillness during a class.

Coming from a background in financial software Consultancy, at first I thought I only needed the physical benefits yoga offered, such as stretching out my back, which was accustomed to sitting at a desk for much of the day. It took me a while to realise that the thing that was actually drawing me back was that still feeling.

I’ve been teaching since 2016 when I completed my training with YIMI, and I’ve since undertaken further learning with Celia Roberts and Loraine Rushton of Zenergy. My classes are a blend of styles, incorporating Hatha with slow flows as well as meridian-based yoga therapy correctives and deep stretches. I see each class I teach as a learning opportunity for me, as I get to see the differences and similarities in each student. I am honoured and grateful to have the opportunity to each at Relax Yoga, and I’m looking forward to this new part of my journey.

Catherine Stark - Kids and Family Yoga Instuctor

Hi, I am Catherine Stark. I am a mum of a six year old beautiful girl and just love what yoga offers a family. With qualifications from Angel Yoga 4 Kids and Families and the International Yoga Teachers Association, my experience spans over 14 years.

What enhances my family yoga training and teaching is my study in Human Services in Child and Family Studies. It was always my aim to bring positive experiences to children and families in a way that builds confidence, positive self- esteem, connection to self and others, and fun through mind, body awareness.

Physical movement is essential for a healthy body and mind and in our busy technological world where we are less physical and more mind active, yoga is just perfect. In our classes we learn Asanas – physical poses, based around nature, animals and things and telling stories as we go. We practise Pranayama – breathing exercises to calm the mind and energise the body.

Furthermore, we learn skills for relaxation that help us unwind from our busy schedules. By using music, dance, mantra and lots of fun group and partner activities, our yoga is a place you can forget about the world and simply just be. Namaste

Diane Evans - Cover Teaching, Adults Yoga Instructor

Diane has loved yoga all her adult life. Her background in the corporate world and leadership coaching reinforced to her how effective mind-body practices like yoga can be in helping to cope with the challenges of life and work – especially using breathing, stretching and mindfulness to help manage stress and feel more in control.

After completing her Level 1 teaching qualification, her passion for calming the mind and re-energising the body through yoga and stillness, led her to complete her Yin Yoga teacher training.

Diane loves to incorporate lots of breathing techniques, slow stretches and restorative practices in her classes to create the space for students to relax and find balance.

Sarah DeLucca - Adults & Mixed Teens Yoga Instructor

Hi there! My name is Sarah, and I am so excited to be here teaching, learning and sharing with you. A little bit of information about me eh?

Well, I have a motor attached to my bottom and it has taken me to 5 continents, where I have spent time doing the 3 L’s: Living, Loving and Learning. I have followed my heart around the world and it has now landed me in Brisbane, where I am doing the things I love the most. My passions include practising yoga, cooking, gardening and frolicking in the Pacific Ocean.

There is an ever-burning fire in my soul when it comes to learning and self-development. This fire has fuelled my constant curiosity about nutrition and movement, and how I can teach ancient forms of these studies to City Slickers.

Yoga came to me at the ripe age of 16, I was a hyperactive nuisance of a teenager, who never stopped. I played soccer, danced, acted and stressed. I was finding myself freaking out over the smallest things like not waking up at exactly 5:55 am or crusts on my sandwiches, or whether or not the gorgeous boy in the 12th grade knew who I was. I was a ball of stress, and sitting on a blue mat for sixty minutes, in a darkened fitness studio, at The Vancouver Jewish Community Centre was just what I needed to begin to learn to unwind. As a young woman, I worried about everything from my appearance to my studies and fitting in. Amongst all of this chaos I lost track of my SELF. Yoga taught me that if I close my eyes, breathe deep, and focus on where I am in this moment, that I am perfect. Yoga teaches us all that the best version of who we can be, is who we are right now. I don’t remember the name of my first yoga instructor, but I thank my lucky stars I went to her classes, because she inspired me to be the woman I am today. A woman who follows her heart, and appreciates where she is every minute of every day.

My purpose is to share this love and positivity with the universe. Love is infinite, and all around us, so take it all in folks! I am sharing with you my love of nutritious and delicious foods, yoga poses and philosophies, meditation tactics as well as real life stories.

Do you want to know me better? Email me or send me a hand written letter, or better yet, let’s do some headstands together.

Thank you for listening.

Namaste.