About Me

Guided by Experience. Driven by Passion. Inspired by Real Life.

Growing up as a dancer, I have always been drawn to movement. My journey with yoga and Pilates started over ten years ago and has expanded into something that resonates so strongly with me, I feel grateful to be able to share my love of these practices with others. I feel everyone can benefit either mentally, physically, emotionally, or a combination of all three from these practices. The challenge comes in simply finding a way to integrate these movement philosophies and practices into your life.

I am a 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher who received my certification from Yandara Yoga Institute in Todos Santos, Mexico. I am a Balanced Body Certified Comprehensive Pilates Instructor who trained at EHS Pilates in San Francisco and San Mateo College. I am a TRX certified instructor and Barre Above instructor. I am also a Reiki Master and a Certified Health and Wellness Coach. In 2020 I became a certified Master Pilates Instructor through the National Pilates Certification Program and began to host teacher trainings through various host studios. I love being able to share my experiences with future instructors. I am constantly learning new modalities of movement and healing and integrating this knowledge into my work with clients to help them move the best they can. I had taught movement for 13 years in Santa Cruz, California before moving to Denver in 2022. I love working one on one with clients as well as teaching fun and challenging group classes. I have a special interest in working with clients who are post-rehab, pre/post natal, diagnosed with neurological conditions, actively aging, and athletic. I also host various workshops and retreats both nationally and worldwide.

Beside my love of movement, I also have a deep love and respect for the ocean and a passion for animals.

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Carissa is a lovely person and I highly recommend her for Pilates and Yoga! At++

Mali D.

Santa Cruz CA, 2015
Two Thumbs Up! Professional, on time and provides excellent instruction!

Kiki R.

Saratoga CA, 2016
I have had several pilates trainers before, and finally I have Carissa Fernandez. In the past all my previous trainers just asked me to lay on the reformers with minimal instruction. But Carissa is very descriptive, corrects my form, and gives me a great full body workout.

Elaine P.

San Jose CA, 2017
I hired Carissa for a private yoga session as my baby shower. She was on time, friendly, professional, and thoughtful. She brought extra support for me (9 month pregnant) and lead a pleasant session for both me and my non-pregnant friends. would hire her again in future!

Li Z.

Li Z.
Carissa was great. My aunts couldn't stop talking about the class and how they felt afterward. I had relaxing day and I needed to get realigned within myself so thank you Carissa!

Antionnette T.

Campbell CA, 2018
Carissa is excellent, very accommodating, professional & friendly. She was a great fit for my group who didn't have much yoga experience. I highly recommend Carissa.

Yasmin v.

Santa Cruz CA, 2018
Carissa is a life saver. After numerous injuries and a bad case of plantar fasciitis, my body hurt. Since it hurt to move, I moved less, which only made matters worse. I was a very active person running, cycling, and going to bootcamps most days of the week, so I knew I had to start from scratch and rebuild. After trying traditional medicine, acupuncture, and massage with really no improvement, I became desperate. Using Pilates techniques and apparatus, Carissa helped me to build strength, and improve my body alignment and flexibility. Carissa has in-depth knowledge of Pilates, yoga, and body mechanics and she is always continuing her studies in these fields. She listens to me and modifies routines to meet my needs yet also encourages me to continue even when I don't feel like it. We have worked together for almost 2 years and I no longer have pain!

Jackie R.

San Jose CA, 2018
Carissa is a very patient and attentive teacher. I have started taking her Reformer Pilates classes three times a week. It has only been a couple weeks but I can already feel my core getting stronger. Carissa always individually adjusts each Reformer so it is suited to the right level for each individual. I'm 71, so I'm used to having some aches or pains when starting a new exercise program. Surprisingly I haven't experienced this yet with Carissa's Reformer class.

Jeanie T.

Santa Cruz CA, 2019
Carissa is an outstanding instructor. She gives clear directions for easy following, makes excellent choices of routines to insure a well balanced workout. No wasted time here. I highly recommend Carissa for both yoga and Pilates instruction.

Elizabeth C.

Santa Cruz CA, 2019
I have been going to Carissa's classes for a little over 30 sessions. I always walk out of class feeling taller and more in tune with my body. Her classes flow and are fun 🙂

Kristof Z.

Santa Cruz CA, 2020
I first took a group reformer Pilates class from Carissa at the end of 2018. I have done both group and private sessions with her. I specifically took private sessions when recovering from an injury, and I felt like she pushed me just enough without going too far. Carissa is attentive, knowledgeable, and caring. She is in tune with her clients; even if all the people in one class are at different levels, she manages to make the class enjoyable and productive for everyone. I highly recommend Carissa as a Pilates teacher!

Tara W.

Santa Cruz CA, 2021
I have taken classes with Carissa for almost three years. I have always enjoyed her classes. She has taught me so much, and I have improved greatly. She is a great professional!

Therese B.

Santa Cruz CA, 2022
Excellent service! Carissa is always on time and ready to go. She listens to her clients needs and encourages them as the workout progresses. One of the best in the industry.

Jan B.

San Jose CA, 2023
Thank you Carissa for a great training experience, your patience with all of my questions, and all of the extra effort you put into making sure that we have all the teaching and materials to teach Pilates and enjoy it as well. You really helped me feel supported and build confidence to start my teaching career.

Cindy B.

Chapel Hill NC, 2024
I've been lucky enough to have Carissa's classes fit my schedule, and they are just fantastic. She never misses a thing and provides great corrections in the nicest way. You feel really confident and safe in her classes.

Stephanie J.

Denver CO, 2024
Pilates has changed my life. I am three years out from a total knee replacement. Carissa is my favorite instructor. Her classes are amazing - she always makes sure that there is an alternative to each exercise. Thank you!

Catherine P.

Denver CO, 2024
Just wanted to give a shout out to my Master Trainer, Carissa! Carissa brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Pilates that far exceeds the expectations of a Franchise Pilates studio. She's a keeper!

Rebecca W.

Denver CO, 2025
I started taking Pilates with Carissa in 2018. It inspired me to complete her teacher training program. I fell in love with teaching Pilates, and have now opened my very own studio.

Samantha J.

Owner of Midtown Functional Movement Studio Santa Cruz CA, 2025
Working with my Pilates Master Trainer, Carissa, was truly a transformative experience. Her depth of knowledge, attention to detail, and unwavering support guided me through my comprehensive Pilates certification with confidence and clarity. She not only taught me the mechanics of the method, but also instilled the importance of precision, intention, and client-centered teaching. Her mentorship challenged me to grow both personally and professionally, elevating the way I move, cue, and connect with clients. I am incredibly grateful for her dedication and leadership, and I feel fully prepared and inspired as a certified comprehensive Pilates instructor because of her guidance.

Amy W.

Napa CA, 2026
Carissa’s extensive knowledge of Pilates; her ability to demonstrate the exercises and instruct movement, breath, control, articulate cues and use of props to challenge or modify the exercise for those of us with certain conditions who need help, is what teaches us to move forward on our journey in the world of Pilates. Carissa is professional yet personable.

Barbara B.

Napa CA, 2026
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