Teachers

Simon Joannou

Simon Joannou is a full time yoga teacher and the principal teacher at the centre. Simon studies in Pune, India with the Iyengar family on a yearly basis and was trained by Pixie Lillas. In 2015 Simon completed a three year Course with Stephanie Quirk in Therapeutic Yoga that informs his therapy work and general classes. Simon is a Senior Intermediate Level 1 certified Iyengar Teacher.

Hasu Opa Clark

Hasu Opa Clark trained with Pixie Lillas and continues her professional development with Pixie and Simon Joannou and continues to work through the mentorship program with Stephanie Quirk. Hasu regularly studies with the Iyengar family in Pune, India. Hasu assists in the Yoga Therapy class on Thursdays. Hasu is a Junior Intermediate Level 1 certified Iyengar Teacher, founding teacher of the centre, a full time yoga teacher and a mum to 2 children.

 

Robyn Lowe

Robyn is a dedicated, steady and long term practitioner and student of the Centre. Robyn assists the Yoga Therapy class on Thursdays and teaches a number of General classes. Robyn holds an Junior Intermediate Level 1 certification and continues to work through the mentorship program with Stephanie Quirk. Robyn also studies with the Iyengar family in Pune, India. During the week, Robyn works as a speech pathologist and researcher.

 Madison Chippendale

Madison started at Marrickville Yoga Centre as the studio manager in 2016. She is currently undertaking the teacher mentoring program with Simon. Madison teaches the 6pm Tuesday General / Foundations class and assists in Yoga Therapy. Madison is also a theatre maker and performer in Sydney.

 

 

 

Dannie Andrews

Dannie is undertaking teacher mentoring with Simon. She currently teaches the Thursday 9.30am General class and the 11am Saturday Foundations/General class. Dannie has been regularly and consistently assisting at the centre in foundations and Therapy classes.

 

 

 

ONLINE TEACHERS:

Gulnaaz Dashti

Gulnaaz started Yoga at the Pune Institute (RIMIY) under the guidance of B.K.S. Iyengar, Geeta Iyengar and Prashant Iyengar in 1990. Gulnaaz lives in Pune, India – teaching all levels at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute for over 20 years. In 1998 Gulnaaz was granted a teaching position by Guruji (B.K.S. Iyengar) to teach beginner classes at the Institute in Pune (RIMYI). Her practice of more than 20 years & teaching general and medical classes at the Institute has been under the ever watchful eye of the Iyengar family and particularly guided by Dr Geeta Iyengar. Since that time she has become one of the senior teachers who teaches beginner’s, Intermediate, advanced, as well as assisting in the medical classes. Gulnaaz is one of the teachers full of energy and good humour.

Stephanie Quirk

Stephanie Quirk is a world leader in the field of Yoga Therapeutics, having spent 20 years studying and working directly with the Iyengar family at the Ramanani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune, India. The Marrickville Yoga Centre has a long term association with Stephanie and this has continued with her presence throughout 2020.

 

 

 

 

 

Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar Yoga is derived from the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar. His teachings are a unique and contemporary interpretation of classical Hatha Yoga as defined in the 2000 year old text The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

Iyengar yoga distinguishes itself from other styles of yoga by:

• Placing an emphasis on precise, detailed teaching instruction. This attention to detail aims to bring the body into healthy alignment – whilst bringing the mind into harmony with the physical body.
• The use of props (such as blankets, cushions, belts etc), aimed at making yoga accessible and safe for all body types and ages, irrespective of ailment or injury.
• Ensuring rigorous standards of accreditation and teacher training