Trainings

Playful Yogi Advanced Teacher Training Module: Hands-On Assists

Trainers:

Sheri Celentano, E-RYT 500
Kenny Frisby, E-RYT 500

For yoga teachers who are seeking tools and techniques to comfortably add hands-on assists in your yoga classes.

With this training you’ll learn safe and effective hands-on assists to guide your students’ bodies into a place of groundedness, spaciousness and ease.  

This weekend training will include:

• Consent, Communication and Mindful Touch

• Assists vs. Adjustments

• The Principles of Hands-on Assists

• The Energy of the Hands

• Hands-on Assists and Asana

In our sessions we’ll spend focused time with each assist, exploring how and why we might support our students in this way. With this work you’ll feel more knowledgeable, comfortable and intentional when applying hands-on assists in your classes. This training’s biggest take-away is the confidence and connection you’ll gain through the power and practice of mindful touch.

This training module can be counted towards the Playful Yogi 300-Hour Advanced Teacher Training Course or can be taken as a single training for Continued Education Units (CEUs).

Please contact us for more information on our 300-Hour Teacher Training.

About Sheri Celentano (E-RYT 500 YACEP)

Currently Head of Education & Teacher Development at Yo-Bk (NYC and Miami), Sheri began teaching movement in 1989 and never looked back. Discovering yoga in 1999 she received her first 200-hour training in 2005. She believes in and encourages students to know the practice of yoga is available to all people at all stages of life. For many years Sheri’s passion has been to empower teachers to find a home within their teaching. She has been teaching public classes and leading yoga teacher trainings for many years and created programming for 200 and 300-hour certifications. The courage and skill to create fun, safe and creative classes comes with practice, mentorship and community. She truly believes in the transformational power of yoga as well as its ability to help us live our best day-to-day lives.

About Kenny Frisby (E-RYT 500 YACEP)

After many years of dancing professionally, Kenny discovered Yoga in 2008. He was immediately drawn to the way yoga approaches movement as medicine. In 2010, he fell in love with Laughing Lotus' signature "move like you" Lotus Flow and completed his first 200-hour teacher training. Since then he's studied, participated in, and taught many different modalities of yoga all over the world. His passions include Chakra-informed classes, Chinese medicine and meridians, and playful/purposeful sequencing. Kenny’s caring and intelligent teaching style makes yoga relatable, fun and transformative for all levels of modern-day practitioners. His classes are a thoughtful mix of movement, spiritual nourishment, good music and great vibes. Kenny is eternally grateful for all of the teachers, scientists and sages (past and present) that have shared their knowledge and imparted upon us their wisdom.

Below are the details on our next 200-Hour teacher training launching in January, 2026.

Lead Trainers:

Naomi Camilleri, E-RYT 500
Kenny Frisby, E-RYT 500

PYS Trainers:

Jodi Daly
Laura Zaino
Suzie Diano

Guest Trainers:

Chris Loebsack
Shaun Nanavati
Mary Partridge
Lynne Aubrey
Gina Turner
Marco Jo Clate
Jamie Shields
Terri Ryan

You can learn more about Naomi and Kenny as well as our entire teaching team on our About Us page.

Areas of Study and Training Topics Covered:

• Yoga Philosophy and History:

  • Introduction to the history and origins of yoga.

  • Exploration of classical yoga texts such as the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

  • Understanding the philosophy of yoga, including concepts like the Eight Limbs of Yoga and the path to self-realization.

• Yogic Lifestyle and Ethics:

  • Discussion of the ethical principles and values associated with yoga, such as the Yamas and Niyamas.

  • Insights into mindful living and how to integrate yogic principles into daily life.

• Asana (Yoga Postures):

  • In-depth study of yoga postures, alignment and variations.

  • Developing a personal practice and exploring asana techniques.

  • Sequencing and modification of postures for different levels and needs.

• Pranayama (Breath Control):

  • Learning and practicing various breathing techniques to enhance vitality and control the mind.

  • Understanding the connection between breath and movement.

• Anatomy and Physiology:

  • Basic anatomy of the human body and how it is applied to yoga practice.

  • How yoga postures affect the body and how to avoid injuries.

  • An introduction to the energy systems in the body, such as chakras and nadis.

• Meditation and Mindfulness:

  • Techniques for cultivating a regular meditation practice.

  • Training in mindfulness and concentration to improve mental clarity and inner peace.

• Teaching Methodology:

  • How to create and structure yoga classes.

  • Effective teaching skills, communication and adjustments.

  • Dharma Talks, contextualizing yogic philosophy and ethics into life, teaching with compassion, empathy, inclusion and a social justice/trauma-informed mindset.

• Business and Ethics of Yoga Teaching:

  • Understanding the business aspects of being a yoga teacher.

  • Ethical considerations, including student-teacher relationships and maintaining professionalism.

• Practicum:

  • Teaching practice with peers and receiving constructive feedback.

  • Leading classes under the guidance of experienced instructors.

• Final Exam and Evaluation:

  • Written and practical assessments to gauge understanding and teaching skills.

  • Successful completion of these evaluations is required to receive certification.

• Special Topics:

  • Some additional topics may include introduction to Prenatal Yoga, Gentle, Yin and Restorative Yoga, yoga for specific populations (e.g., seniors or athletes), or yoga therapy. We will also include CPR certification and teaching safely in a hot room.

Throughout the program, students are encouraged to maintain a consistent personal practice and reflect on their own yoga journey. The goal of a 200-hour YTT program is to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to teach yoga safely and effectively while deepening their personal practice and understanding of yoga's philosophy and lifestyle.

2026 Schedule:

This training runs Saturday, January 10 - Sunday, May 31, 2026 and is a hybrid of 11 in-person weekends and 10 livestream Wednesday evenings.

In-person weekends at PYS will be from 9am - 5pm (60-minute break for lunch) and will incorporate class with Kenny, Naomi or a guest teacher both days. 

Wednesday evening sessions on Zoom will be from 6 - 8:30pm. 

Playful Yogi 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Schedule for 2026:

IN-STUDIO WEEKENDS:

January 10 & 11

January 24 & 25

February 7 & 8

February 28 & March 1

March 14 & 15

March 28 & 29

April 11 & 12

April 25 & 26

May 2 & 3

May 16 & 17

May 30 & 31 - Final exam & Graduation!

WEDNESDAY EVENING ZOOM SESSIONS:

January 14

January 28

February 4

March 4

March 18

April 1

April 15

April 29

May 6

May 20

INVESTMENT

Early Bird Price (must be paid in full by 10/31/25) = $3495

Full Tuition (must be paid in full by 12/15/25) = $3795

Tuition Payment Plan = $3995 – Paid in 5 monthly payments of $799, first payment must be made by 12/15/25

A deposit of $500 is due at the time of application. The deposit will be applied to the tuition cost upon acceptance into the program.

Tuition includes full unlimited membership to Playful Yogi Space classes for the duration of the program, a value of over $900.

Note: Deposits are Nonrefundable. 
There are no refunds on the training program once the program has started. This includes the obligation for payment plans. Please contact us with questions and be ready to fully commit before applying for this program.