Relax Yoga Teachers
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 with you our own interpretation of this ancient healing practice.
Tes Steele
Relax Yoga Studio Owner / Registered Yoga Teacher and Yoga Therapist
Teaching primarily in the tradition of Sri T. Krishnamacharya - Viniyoga
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 and Qualifications
- Vedic Chanting (Viniyoga Australia) (ongoing)
- Continuing Professional Development (Viniyoga Australia) (ongoing)
- Yoga Therapist Training Program (The Yoga Institute) (2019-2021)
- Yoga Studies Program (Viniyoga Australia) (2019-2020)
- Yoga Therapist Training Program Modules 1&2 (Yoga Vaidya Sala, India) (2019)
- 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) (My Health Yoga) (2015)
- Level 1 Yoga Teaching (My Health Yoga) (2014)
- Children’s Yoga Foundation Training (Angel Yoga 4 Kids) (2013)
- University Of Queensland – Bachelor of Science Honours (Biochemistry) (2001)
- Flinders University of South Australia – Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science & Molecular Biology) (1998)
Jane Esslemont
Registered Yoga Teacher - Dru Yoga for Women
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.
Jen Cahill
Registered Yoga Teacher
Teaching primarily in the tradition of Sri T. Krishnamacharya - Viniyoga
After practicing a variety of yoga styles over many years while pursuing a corporate career, I trained as a yoga teacher in the Krishnamacharya tradition with Viniyoga Australia. Esteemed teacher in this tradition, TKV Desikachar said we must “meet the student where they are”, meaning that one approach does not fit all and students should be offered choices based on their needs and abilities at this point in time.
My goal is to assist students to live their best lives through accessible and joy-filled yoga, regardless of age, background or ability. After completing teacher training, I’ve continued to expand my knowledge and techniques through additional studies in disciplines such as chair-based yoga, broadening the range of students able to enjoy the benefits of yoga including flexibility, balance, strength and evenness of mind.
I am a Member of Yoga Australia and am privileged to teach individual and group classes in corporate settings and aged and disability care, as well as Move and Meditate classes at Relax Yoga.
Jo Moloney
Senior Yoga Teacher
Attending a yoga class in a local hall proved to be surprisingly life changing for me. That morning’s practice challenged my flexibility, balance and strength. Downward Dog (the pose that everyone who’s never done yoga, knows!) was not as easy as it may have looked! However, post-class I felt an energy that was new (and which lingered), so I went back for more, and more, and more.
The result was a body and mind makeover: I became calmer, happier and my attitude became more positive.
Yoga gave me tools to manage feelings of anxiety. I experienced a greater sense of clarity and began to pause before reacting, taking time to consider the best response (if any). I met and connected with like-minded people and has benefited richly from their friendship. Perhaps the greatest gift yoga brought to the surface was the courage that existed deep within me.
I enjoy continuous learning and education in the field of yoga teaching and always say:
“With yoga in my life, I’ll never stop learning.”
My mission is to help others experience the joy and benefits of yoga in a supportive, fun and friendly atmosphere, so they too can craft a life they love, benefiting not only themselves but all beings.
I can’t wait to meet you!
Cindy Lagon
Senior Yoga Teacher
Yoga has been a part of most of my adult life. Teaching yoga has evolved through many chapters for me. My first yoga class was at a time that you often hear other people describe. I had a very stressful unfulfilling job and stepping into that first class was a real light bulb moment.
Becoming a yoga teacher felt like a natural path to take, after years of practising yoga and experiencing all these positive changes in my life. I have lived in a few different countries, and this has influenced my teaching, and the studios I’ve practised in. I first began practising and teaching in London, and so hot sweaty challenging yoga classes made sense to me. Then moving to Australia, life slowing down, trying to start a family, all changed my outlook and how I wanted to practise and teach yoga.
Yoga has been there through many challenging times for me. Heling me through anxiety and depression when I was younger. Through immense periods of grief trying to start a family and most recently to navigate the world of motherhood. Stepping onto my mat has helped me find strength, balance, and peace. Yoga has been a steadfast friend through every phase of my life, providing a sanctuary of calm and clarity.
I like to combine my wealth of knowledge with personal insights, creating a compassionate and inclusive space for all my students. Whether you’re new to yoga or seeking to deepen your practice, I am here to guide you with empathy, wisdom and a heartfelt connection to the practice.
Join me for a journey of growth, healing, and self-discovery through yoga.
Mimi Van Buuren
Senior Yoga Teacher - Teaching predominately Vinyasa Flow/Purna Yoga
I started practicing yoga in my teens as part of my professional dance training and I very quickly fell in love with the practice. Yoga was introduced to me for its many physical benefits, but the impact that yoga philosophy had on my mental health and stress levels was profound. Yoga has been instrumental in teaching me self-compassion. Through yoga I learnt to forgive myself for what I can’t do and embrace with wonder everything that I can do.
My teaching style is playful, inclusive and light hearted – I believe at the heart of your practice there should always be joy. My classes stay true to the core values of yogic tradition but are informed by contemporary anatomy and safe movement practice. I enjoy exploring with my students creative sequencing and asana variations. I often describe sections of my vinyasa classes as ‘pick n’ mix’ where I will cue a few adaptations or variations, and then you’re invited to take what feels right for you at that moment. Embodying the principle of ‘it’s your practice, your choice’.
I encourage my students to be curious practitioners, who enjoy mindful questioning and exploration of a sequence. I want you to use your time on the mat to learn about your body and deepest self, all while having an occasional laugh and enjoying the moment. As at the heart of your practice there should always be joy.
Tina Summers
Senior Yoga Teacher
Ive been a dedicated yoga practitioner since 2002 and teacher since 2008. With a diverse background and training from various renowned teachers i like to think I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to my classes. My approach combines traditional yoga practices with adaptations for the modern body, making my classes accessible and beneficial for everyone.
My journey with yoga began as a path to healing and self-discovery. Drawing from these personal experiences and challenges, I understand the transformative power of yoga and alternative healing modalities. My classes focus on creating a relaxed atmosphere where students can work at their own pace without pushing beyond their limits. I believes that yoga is a work-in, not a workout, and aim to help all students develop internal strength, self-awareness, and overall well-being.
In addition to physical postures i like to incorporate Nada Yoga (the yoga of sound) and Sound Healing techniques using crystal sound bowls and various instruments to help students relax and retune their bodies. I have also completed Trauma Sensitive Yoga Teacher training and teach children as well as adults.
Join me on this transformative journey and discover the benefits of yoga for your mind, body, and spirit.
All teachers at Relax Yoga exceed the standards of training and continuing education set by Yoga Australia.
