How Your Iyengar Yoga Teacher is Trained and Certified
The Iyengar certification process is highly rigorous, assuring you of an instructor who practices and is well trained in the art, science and philosophy of yoga. Prospective teachers confirm their dedication through years of studying yoga. Teacher training includes the study of anatomy, physiology, philosophy and practical teaching methods. Candidates for certification complete an assessment process that includes a comprehensive three-part examination. They must show proficiency in performance of the asanas (postures), and take a written exam on philosophy, anatomy and practical knowledge of teaching. In the third and most important part of the test, the candidate is observed teaching a class and is assessed by a panel of senior teachers.
This process is repeated a year or two later, with additional postures and a more comprehensive evaluation. Teachers are granted full certification at the Introductory level only after satisfactorily completing all parts of the examination process which takes place over several years. Full certification allows the teacher to use the official Iyengar Certification Mark shown on the right. Iyengar certification is a sign of excellence, clarity, and depth of understanding.
The process of teacher training and evaluation is repeated with higher standards and different material at six additional levels of certification, from Introductory to Intermediate Senior, preparing teachers to teach at increasing levels of competency. Still higher levels of certification are granted by B.K.S. Iyengar. For more information on training and certification, visit the IYNAUS website at www.iynaus.org

Cynthia Worby, M.S.W., M.P.H.
Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher at Junior Intermediate I Level
Cynthia Worby is the founder and director of Bedford Yoga and has been teaching yoga since 1992 and practicing yoga since 1990. Her primary teacher is Mary Dunn and she has studied often with Patricia Walden, John Schumacher and Mary Sinclair and many other wonderful Iyengar teachers.
In 2002 Cynthia wrote The Everything Yoga Book, a comprehensive, easy to understand introduction to the vast world of yoga. She also wrote Yoga Poses to Shift Your State of Mind in 2003, a fun deck of yoga postures ideal for home practice and travel. Both publications are available in major bookstores, and online at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com. She was the president of the Yoga Teachers Association of Westchester and Rockland for three years, a continuing education organization. Currently she is a liaison on the Iyengar Institute of New York Board.
Before teaching, Cynthia worked in social work and hospital administration. She graduated from SUNY Binghamton with a B.A. in psychology and earned her Masters in Social Work and Masters in Public Health from Columbia University. She was always interested in self-care and health and curious about the workings of the mind and body.
During a particularly stressful period in her life, a therapist recommended yoga to alleviate stress. Not only did yoga help reduce stress, it had an enormous impact on her perception of herself and the world and gave her the courage and strength on all levels to successfully move through a major change in life (divorce).
Cynthia's teaching style is warm, encouraging, and accessible to beginner through experienced students.
She has taught yoga in public schools, workshops in the Northeast and has appeared on televison and on radio.
Cynthia has three fabulous children. She loves to read, watch good movies and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

Cathy J. Eising, M.S.W, C.S.W.
Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher at Junior Intermediate I Level
Cathy has practiced Iyengar Yoga since 1980 and taught since 1995. Her first Iyengar Yoga experience was with Joan White, a senior teacher and the current Chair of the Iyengar National Association Certification Committee. Cathy continues to study with Joan annually. Her primary senior teacher is Mary Dunn. In addition she studies with Carrie Owerko, who was a member of the group who performed for Mr. Iyengar at City Center during his visit in 2005 to NYC.
Before teaching, Cathy worked as a psychotherapist for 15 years. She received a B.A. in Music Ed. from N.Y.U. and a masters in social work from Yeshiva University. Her experience in mental health has given her unique insight and understanding into the human condition which illuminates her teaching style today.
From the very first class, Iyengar Yoga spoke to her on a deep level and gave her tools to regulate herself physically and psychologically. It has provided a path to connect with her inner being and explore the universal experience. She feels this is worth cultivating and sharing with her students. She describes her teaching style as dynamic, compassionate and always practical.
Cathy's first long term yoga teaching job was at the Saw Mill health club. She has also done classes, presentations and workshops at schools, libraries, senior centers, mental health conferences, community recreation programs and other yoga centers.
In addition to yoga, Cathy loves to garden and has designed and planted a native garden at her home. The goal is to attract and sustain a diverse and healthy wildlife population. Many dramatic and unusual wildlife scenarios play themselves out right outside her window. These scenes are witnessed by her husband, dog and cockatoo, who all participate and appreciate to varing degrees. She has a much loved grown daughter who lives on her own. Cathy sings tenor in a local classical music choir (Westchester Oratorio Society).

Judi Friedman, J.D.
Judi Friedman is a certified Iyengar Yoga teacher. She has practiced and studied Iyengar Yoga since 2000, and has been teaching since 2003. Judi studies weekly with her primary teachers, Mary Dunn and Mary Sinclair, and when she can, with other senior Iyengar teachers, including Patricia Walden and Joan White.
Before teaching, Judi worked as a corporate attorney for 15 years. She graduated from Tufts University with B.A. in political science and earned her J.D from New York University School of Law. Judi took her first yoga class with Cynthia Worby; Iyengar Yoga spoke to her from that very first class. Her practice of yoga has helped her manage a chronic pain condition, and has kept her balanced physically, emotionally and spiritually. She teaches to share with others her passion for the vast subject of yoga, and to give her students the opportunity to experience the profound and transformational changes that come with the practice. She describes her teaching style as energetic, compassionate, clear and joyful.
In addition to her classes at Bedford Yoga, Judi has taught yoga at several of the local area high schools and middle schools, as well as at the Bedford Village Library. She enjoys teaching teenagers; she is available to give private instruction to individuals or small groups.
In addition to teaching, studying and practicing yoga, Judi dedicates herself to the well being of her family and to responsibly raising her two teenaged boys. She loves to read, garden and take long walks with her Wheaten terrier, Molly.