Registered Level 2 Teacher
I discovered yoga in 1992 and was instantly hooked. While initially I was drawn to the postural practice and the physical benefits that come from this, it is the mental and emotional benefits that draw me back to the mat again and again. In particular, it was the peace and meaning that I found on the yoga mat during difficult times that sparked my desire to become a teacher so that I could share this gift with others. I enjoy teaching Yin and Restorative yoga in particular because it enables people to slow down and breathe and reconnect with their bodies.
My journey into yoga therapy was instigated by seeing family members suffer from chronic illness and injury and wishing to be able to provide them with the information and techniques to empower and support them to better health and wellbeing. In addition to completing Yoga Therapy training with Living Yoga Therapy, I have completed further training in Yoga for Pain and Yoga for Arthritis with Yoga for Pain Care Australia.
I have been teaching since 2011 and, in addition to teaching general classes, have taught in a range of settings including the Cancer Council WA; Multiple Sclerosis Society of WA; staff at King Edwards Memorial Hospital; seniors; and teenage girls at Standing Strong, a wellness club for girls that aims to build confidence, self-esteem and resilience.
I currently teach yoga classes in Wembley Downs on Monday evening and Tuesday morning including hatha/vinyasa, yin and chair yoga for seniors.
"Teach what is inside you. Not as it applies to you, to yourself, but as it applies to the other."
T. Krishnamacharya
Susan
When I first attended the class you ran for the Cancer Council, I was searching for a way back into some kind of activity after the physical and mental scars of breast cancer and subsequent treatment were fairly well healed. I was finding it hard to get back to the level of exercise and fitness I had enjoyed; the swimming squad I had attended for more than 25 years had become unavailable around the same time as my diagnosis and I had let lapse the walking regime I had developed. I felt a bit stuck. I found the yoga class very enjoyable and it put me back in touch with who I was and gave me back my confidence. I never have been, or will be, any talented athlete, but I do like the feeling of being fit and healthy. Since I joined your Yin Yoga class, I have often felt physically challenged, but mentally at peace. Your ingenious ways of making poses accessible to everyone, irrespective of age and agility, together with the relaxed and peaceful atmosphere you create make for a most enjoyable experience. You have a singular talent for making everyone feel valued and competent. I also enjoy the brief social interaction at the beginning and end of classes and the solitude and lovely music during the hour. I have now got back into more regular walking around Mosman Park and even a bit of swimming from time to time.
Jackie
Theresa teaches in a friendly Neighbourhood Environment. From our mats we look out onto lovely parkland, big trees, birds chirping in the background and dogs having a run in the park. She has blossomed in the past 3 years and developed a lovely teaching style incorporating a good balance of stillness and calmand of course a good stretch. Theresa is knowledgeable, patient and caring and always offering alternative poses to suit all levels. She manages to weave some Yoga wisdom into her classes which is much appreciated. Keep up the enthusiasm Theresa!
Irene
'Theresa is warm, friendly and approachable'. 'Goes out of her way to help individuals adapt poses to suit their abilities'. 'Provides a very non-threatening environment for all ages and abilities' 'Always encouraging'.
Cancer Council participants
'Theresa was great, supportive, attentive, funny, motivating.' 'Theresa was brilliant very professional and knowledgeable.' 'Theresa was an excellent yoga teacher and very well organised.'