Published Nov. 12, 2021
By AVA CAMARGO
Carmel High School senior Makenna Tarsitano balances school and teaching as she begins a new chapter as the youngest certified yoga instructor on the Monterey Peninsula.
In December 2019, Tarsitano graduated from a 200-hour certification program through OM Studios, which taught yoga philosophy, postures and anatomy. Her teaching journey began shortly thereafter, though her lessons were interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tarsitano strives to do what makes her happy by exploring her love of yoga along the Monterey Peninsula. (Photo by COLBY TARSITANO)
“During quarantine, it ended up being a blessing because I taught my friends and family over Zoom,” Tarsitano says, “and it was a really great way to practice.”
Through the pandemic, the CHS dance co-president found her groove as an instructor, learning how to best help members of the community on their journey towards peace.
“I was able to center myself within the craziness of online learning,” CHS senior Shannon Ikemiya says. “It was a way for me to take time to find what is most important to me.”
The four-year dance student sparked an interest in yoga in elementary school when she decided to partake in an afterschool dance and yoga class, and over time her passion grew.
“I always had yoga in the back of my mind as something I liked, but I never thought much about it,” Tarsitano says. “In middle school I did more research and immersed myself in the practice.”
To cope with the stress and anxiety of senior year, Tarsitano shares her therapeutic outlet by teaching an outdoor yoga lesson in Monterey. (Photo by BRIAN MACK)
Once Carmel began to reopen over the summer, she began working at Carmel Valley Ranch where she currently teaches classes every Friday and Sunday.
“It’s really rewarding when people tell me that they feel better after a lesson,” the certified instructor says. “And I know it sounds cliche, but I genuinely pour my heart into teaching, and I give it everything I have because I love it so much.”
At CHS, the student instructor helps out with the offered yoga class on campus.
“Makenna’s taught some classes here at the high school, and I think it was really beneficial for students to see a peer who’s so centered and confident in teaching the class,” CHS yoga teacher Kristine Tarozzi says. “She just has a great presence in her classes which has and will get her very far.”
Makenna Tarsitano. (Photo by LILY WEISENFELD)
The main motivation behind practice revolves around self-care rather than a workout, ensuring positivity, motivation and peace in herself and her clients.
“My personal goal in my classes is to try and help people live their best life,” Tarsitano says. “I always say in my classes, ‘Listen to your body and do what’s best for you,’ because my purpose is to guide and give suggestions, not give orders.”
Alongside her weekly classes at Carmel Valley Ranch, Makenna Tarsitano has taught at a few events such as the Core Community, a local event that focuses on bringing like-minded women with an interest in health and wellness together.
“I taught for a couple of weekends at one of their events,” Tarsitano explains,
and it helped me make connections and get my name out there.”
In hopes of incorporating yoga into her career and eventually opening her own wellness center, the striving yoga teacher is currently looking to study sociology and entrepreneurship in college so that she can combine her love of well-being with business.
