Dr. Charisse Balance, PT, DPT, RYT
Guest Trainer: Physiology, Breath Mechanics & The Nervous System
RYT 200
Prenatal Yoga level 1 (25 hours)
Prenatal Yoga Level 2 - prenatal and postnatal considerations (25 hours)
MFR yoga (25 hours)
Trauma informed Yoga- Embodied Practices (20 hours)
Trauma Informed Yoga Level 2 - Social Justice (20 hours)
Yin Yoga - 30 hours
Restorative Yoga Level 1 (30 hours) /
Restorative Yoga Level 2 - Therapeutic Applications (30 hours)
TEACHING BACKGROUND:
I have always integrated yoga as a therapeutic intervention in my Physical Therapy practice, starting with incorporating Restorative Yoga in a Chronic Pain Program where I served as the Director of Physical Rehabilitation. I have served as a Teacher Trainer, teaching Anatomy, Prenatal, and Physiology in various YTT programs in the Bay Area since 2017. Throughout the years, I have taught many workshops to empower students with knowledge of their own anatomy and how to utilize this embodied knowledge in their asana, allowing their practice to meet their bodies where they are.
I have been teaching yoga for 11 years.
I teach Restorative, Yin, Slow Mindful Flows, and Yoga for Pelvic Health. My modalities are slow, mindful, embodied, and somatic, trauma-informed, and anatomy-focused.
My notable certifications, teachers, lineages, and specialized trainings include:
Rest and Renew Levels 1 & 2 (Restorative Yoga with Judith Hanson Lasater, PT, PhD – direct student of BKS Iyengar lineage)
Yin Yoga (with Devi Daly)
Trauma-Informed Yoga Levels 1 & 2 (with Hala Khouri)
Yoga Sutra (studying continuously since 2018 with Kate Holcomb – direct student of TKV Desikachar, son of Tirumala Krishnamacharya)
Experiential Yoga with Judith Hanson Lasater, PT, PhD
Prenatal Yoga Levels 1 & 2 with Jane Austin (SF, CA)
My relevant professional background outside of yoga includes:
UC Davis: B.S. Exercise Physiology, Minor in Psychology
Azusa Pacific University: Doctorate in Physical Therapy
Non-yoga but highly influential in my practice: John F. Barnes, PT – John Barnes Myofascial Release (completed trainings: MFR1, MFR2, Unwinding, Advanced Unwinding, Pediatrics, Fascial Pelvis, Rebounding, Fascia Cranium)
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TRAINEES GAIN FROM YOUR PORTION OF THE TRAINING?
I hope trainees gain an embodied understanding of the effects yoga has on their physiology and nervous system, allowing them to teach from that place of inner knowing.
DESCRIBE YOUR TEACHING STYLE:
My teaching style is grounded, calm, and highly integrative, blending clear anatomical and physiological education with embodied experience, and always bringing in humor. I emphasize awareness over performance, offering cues that are precise yet spacious, with room for choice and self-observation. Classes are thoughtfully paced and designed to help students feel regulation and resilience, not just learn about it conceptually.
WHAT DO YOU BRING TO THE GRASSROOTS YOGA COMMUNITY?
I bring a steady, supportive leadership presence, deep knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and nervous system health, as well as a strong commitment to inclusive, accessible teaching. I value mentorship, collaboration, and creating learning environments where curiosity and safety are prioritized.
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT YOU:
Outside the studio, I'm a mama of three little humans and three fur babies (yes, six total!). Our entire crew prioritizes time in nature, movement, music, and fun! You'll commonly see us making music with my husband, who is always carrying around some sort of musical instrument. We love supporting our sports teams from afar, and can often be found watching our favorite sports teams (Go Giants, Niners, and Warriors!) at local open-air establishments. Being postpartum myself, I am passionate about supporting moms through this wild journey of motherhood through my holistic pelvic health practice.