Teachers of the Month: Eileen Cortright & Susan Steiner
You already heard that Alison McCue was named Teacher of the Month in Bloomfield. Now, PFY wants to honor more of our great teachers throughout our studios.
We’re sending big congratulations to Eileen Cortright and Susan Steiner. Eileen (photo left) is a leader in our Bergen County studios of Glen Rock and Ridgewood. Susan (photo right) is the bees’ knees in Hoboken.
If you don’t know them already, we highly recommend you experience their classes. They are creative, dynamic and they know their craft. We asked Eileen and Susan a few questions so you can get to know them better.
PFY: How would you describe your classes?
Eileen: I teach warm vinyasa basics, and my classes have a variety of yogis from the first time practioners to the more advanced. In the basics class, alignment and breath are the emphases. I provide an underlying structure to help students be able to move safely through their practices. I encourage students to play at their edge and to honor that.
Susan: My classes are upbeat, fun, thought provoking and challenging. I incorporate the Five Tenants of the Jivamukti Method with a down-to-earth approach and willingness to share myself and connect with the students. I love to put together fun and funky playlists while I focus on smart and safe sequencing with proper alignment instruction and strong hands-on adjustments. I attempt and hope to help the students experience transformation while they entrust their precious presence with me—they let me guide them through their inhales and exhales.
PFY: What’s your favorite pose right now?
Eileen: Utthita Parsvokonasana (pyramid pose)
It combines strong and grounded with expansion and spinal rotation. I just love how I feel in this pose. I find my breath, and the mind quiets.
Susan: Ardha Matsyendrasana (seated spinal twist or Half Lord of the Fishes)
I love the way it energizes my spine and stimulates my internal organs, specifically my liver and kidneys. It relieves menstrual discomfort, fatigue and backaches. It revs me up and makes me come alive when I’m feeling sluggish. I love how it stretches my shoulders, hips and neck. It has been said that it stimulates the digestive fire in the belly. And anything that can help with digestion and elimination, I’m all about it! Plus, it just feels good to do—especially the counter rotating part.
PFY: What’s your PFY schedule?
Eileen:
PFY Glen Rock, Tuesdays, 7:45 pm warm basics
PFY Ridgewood, Saturdays, 11 am warm basics
Susan:
PFY Hoboken, Mondays, 12:30 pm
Wednesdays, 9:30 am
Fridays, 6:45 pm
