Our Certified Yoga Teachers
Susan Marcus, PhD, CIYT, C-IAYT
Sue has been studying Iyengar yoga since 1989 and is currently certified at the Intermediate Junior II level. She has completed more than 2000 hours of Iyengar Continuing Education. Her teachers include Suzie Muchnick, Lois Steinberg, Manouso Manos, Linda DiCarlo, and Sri H.S. Arun. Sue has studied with the Iyengars in Pune at RIMYI, and in Bangalore with Sri Arun. Sue participated as an instructor and co-author of a pilot study of Iyengar yoga for Aromatase Inhibitor-associated Joint Pain in Women recovering from breast cancer, conducted at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL. She received her C-IAYT Certification as an International Association Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) in June 2017.
Sue brings dedication, enthusiasm, and humor to her teaching, which encourages students to develop their skills and enhance their understanding of yoga as a path for self-understanding, self-improvement, and spiritual development. According to Sue, “Your yoga mat is your laboratory for observing who you are in the moment, without judgment or distraction.”
Sue is also a full-time professor of psychology at Walden University. She was married to the late, great Barry Tuchfeld, and has one son, Elliot.
For your own well-being, why Iyengar yoga?
After sampling many yoga forms and developing my practice, my first Iyengar class was a meta-physical lightbulb, an “aha” moment. The attention to alignment as a means of focusing attention, the use of asana as the path of the inward journey—these features spoke to me as no other yoga did. In addition, it’s given me a way to work with my physical challenges so that they’ve become vehicles for self-study, exploration, and growth.
Why did you want to teach?
Another “aha” moment. Teaching is a vehicle for seeing the possibility in others and offering the tools and guidance so that interested others can find meaning in physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Teaching Iyengar yoga means I am well-trained, with ongoing continuing education to ensure I am on top of my game. As Geeta Iyengar says, “Knowledge is always something that is universal. It is not meant for one person. It is not individual, but every individual contributes. When knowledge goes in the right direction and ignorance is removed, it takes all of us in the same direction. So, I learn when you learn. When you feel and you understand, that gives knowledge to me. In a similar manner, when I give knowledge to you, you also start to understand.”
Deborah Di Carlo, CIYT, C-IAYT, RYS 500
Deborah fell in love with Yoga in 1975 and discovered Iyengar Yoga in 1980. She has enjoyed teaching since 1986, was first certified in 1994, and is currently certified at the Intermediate Junior II level. In May of 2017, she received her certified Yoga Therapist designation from the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT).
Deborah traveled to Pune, India in 1993 and 2003 to study directly with B.K.S. Iyengar, his daughter Geeta, and son Prashant. Since then, she has studied many times with Geeta Iyengar and Abhijata Iyengar at conferences. Deborah’s past and current teachers include Faith Russell, Chris Saudek, Suzie Muchnick, Peentz Dubble, Linda Di Carlo, John Schumacher and Patricia Walden.
After moving to Sarasota in 2005, Deborah started the Iyengar Yoga program at Rosemary Court Yoga. This was a lovely studio in which to grow the Iyengar community. Now, thanks to Sue, we have our home at Iyengar Yoga Sarasota, a well-equipped studio dedicated to Iyengar Yoga. Deborah loves teaching and is devoted to her asana and pranayama practice, philosophical studies, and her students. Deborah’s style is engaging and compassionate with a light heartedness that resonates with her students.
For your own well-being, why Iyengar Yoga?
I came to yoga as a 21-year-old in 1975 because I heard it would help quiet my active mind, tame my emotional nature and increase the flexibility in my runner’s body. After accomplishing these goals and after I turned 50, I was skilled enough to use Iyengar Yoga therapeutically to manage physical challenges that arose. As I continue the aging process, Guriji’s teachings are the primary support I use for both my physical and mental health. Iyengar Yoga and the creative use of props helps make asana accessible to everyone no matter their condition or age.
Why did you want to teach?
I first taught yoga in a women’s fitness club in Memphis, TN in 1977. I love introducing people to this ancient art. Now, as I have had years of training and experience within the Iyengar method, I am convinced that my purpose is to introduce and guide students in the art of yoga. It is the best way for me to give back to my fellow human beings and contribute to their wellbeing. Now that I have retired from my corporate career, teaching is my full-time passion.