Charles Mikhail Zabala
Real Hot Yoga
Prosper
9
years of professional experience
Results-oriented retail and operations leader with expertise in team development, daily operations management, merchandising, and inventory control. Focused on enhancing customer interactions and fostering strong team cultures to drive sales and achieve business objectives. Experienced educator skilled in curriculum development and engaging students, contributing to dynamic team environments that adapt to changing educational needs.
Work History
Yoga, Pilates, and Sculpt Instructor
1 Year 11 Months- Designed and led engaging group fitness classes in yoga, Pilates, and sculpt formats for participants of all experience levels.
- Provided safe, effective instruction by demonstrating proper techniques, offering modifications, and creating an inclusive environment. Developed creative class sequences that enhanced strength, flexibility, and balance while prioritizing participant safety and alignment.
- Built strong relationships with members, encouraged consistent attendance, and supported client retention through exceptional customer service and personalized guidance.
- Collaborated with studio staff to maintain a clean, welcoming space and foster community engagement through studio events.
Area Manager
5 Months- Managed daily operations across multiple studio locations, enhancing service quality and achieving sales goals.
- Analyzed key performance metrics, implemented growth strategies, resolved customer concerns, and collaborated with leadership to maximize revenue, streamline operations, and support successful multi-location performance.
- Oversaw hiring, staffing, scheduling, and budgeting, driving membership sales and client retention while upholding brand standards.
- Analyzed performance metrics and implemented growth strategies, collaborating with leadership to maximize revenue and streamline operations across locations.
Lead Stretch Therapist
6 Months- Delivered personalized assisted stretching sessions that improved clients' mobility, flexibility, and recovery outcomes.
- Provided individualized one-on-one assisted stretching sessions tailored to clients' mobility, flexibility, recovery, and wellness goals.
- Collaborated with studio owner to enhance the member experience, drive client retention, maintain operational standards, foster a positive, team-oriented environment, and hire team members
ESL Instructor
9 Months- Planned and delivered engaging English language lessons for adult international students at varying proficiency levels, focusing on speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar, and pronunciation.
- Assessed student progress and provided tailored feedback, adapting instruction to align with diverse learning needs and language goals.
- Created an inclusive, student-centered classroom environment that promoted active participation, built confidence, and facilitated cultural exchange.
- Maintained accurate attendance and academic records while collaborating with faculty and staff to support student success through personalized guidance and effective classroom management.
Stretch Therapist
1 Year 6 Months- Conducted movement assessments, developed customized stretch programs, and tracked client progress to help achieve wellness goals. Educated clients on proper body mechanics, injury prevention, and recovery techniques while providing exceptional customer service to build long-term relationships and increase member retention.
- Conducted movement assessments, developed customized stretch programs, and tracked client progress to achieve wellness goals. Educated clients on body mechanics, injury prevention, and recovery techniques while delivering exceptional customer service to foster long-term relationships and enhance member retention.
- Maintained accurate client records, ensured studio safety and cleanliness, and collaborated with team to cultivate a positive, welcoming environment.
Interim Studio Experience Team Lead
1 Year 5 Months- Oversaw daily front desk and studio operations, delivering exceptional customer service and fostering a welcoming member experience.
- Supervised Studio Experience Team by coordinating schedules, training new staff, and upholding operational standards to enhance team effectiveness.
- Assisted with membership sales and resolved customer inquiries while managing studio opening and closing procedures to support member engagement and retention.
ESL Assistant Teacher
2 Months- Collaborated with lead instructors to deliver engaging English language lessons to international students of varying proficiency levels.
- Facilitated classroom activities, provided one-on-one academic assistance, monitored student progress, and fostered a positive, inclusive learning environment.
- Motivated student participation while reinforcing English communication, grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation skills.
After-School Coach/Tutor
4 Months- Supervised after-school enrichment activities for about 50-70 students, maintaining safe, structured environment for all students.
- Coordinated homework support for about 50-70 students and academic assistance aligned with program expectations.
- Led behavior management strategies, reinforcing positive conduct and clear routines.
- Mentored new coaches on student engagement, supervision standards, and activity setup.
Academic Tutor
1 Year 4 Months- Assessed student learning needs and tailored tutoring strategies for English composition, writing, and study skills.
- Guided students through course concepts using clear explanations, examples, and Socratic questioning techniques.
- Reinforced college-level writing skills by reviewing drafts, grammar, structure, and citation formats.
- Supported exam preparation through writing activity practices, note-taking methods, and time-management coaching.
- Collaborated with faculty and learning support staff to align tutoring with course objectives.
- Tutored diverse groups of students to strengthen subject comprehension, boost confidence, and build important learning skills.
Teaching Assistant for College Composition
1 Year 4 Months- Guided students during lab sessions, discussions, and office hours with consistent academic support
- Supported classroom instruction by reinforcing lecture concepts and clarifying assignment requirements
- Graded coursework and maintained accurate records for attendance, assessments, and student progress
- Coordinated instructor materials, handouts, and course updates to ensure smooth class delivery
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, creating a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic success.
- Supported classroom maintenance and upkeep, organizing books, and materials.
- Supported classroom activities, tutoring, and reviewing work.
- Helped with grading assignments and tests, providing constructive feedback to students based on results.
- Partnered with teacher to plan and implement lessons following school's curriculum, goals, and objectives.
- Evaluated student performance through regular assessments, tracking progress and adjusting instructional strategies as needed.
- Provided one-on-one tutoring sessions for struggling students, leading to increased understanding and improved grades.
Customer Service Associate/Playground Safety
1 Year 2 Months- Processed admissions, memberships, and party bookings accurately using point-of-sale systems.
- Resolved customer concerns promptly, maintaining positive guest experiences and service standards.
- Verified waivers, monitored check-in procedures, and supported safe facility access.
- Greeted guests and delivered friendly front-desk support throughout busy play center operations.
- Coordinated with team members to keep reception, lobby, and service areas organized.
- Handled customer complaints professionally, resulting in satisfactory outcomes and positive feedback.
- Developed strong relationships with clients through attentive listening and empathetic understanding of their needs.
- Led team project to revamp customer service training program, resulting in more effective onboarding.
- Managed multiple customer queries simultaneously, ensuring timely and accurate responses.
Student-Teacher for Student-initiated Course
4 Months- Delivered classroom instruction using differentiated strategies to support diverse learner needs.
- Developed a class on Filipino-American Culture and Mythologies and stories.
- Developed lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards and student learning objectives.
- Assessed student progress through assignments, observations, and instructional feedback.
- Assessed 12 students progress through assignments, observations, and instructional feedback.
Yoga Teacher
9 Months- Instructed yoga classes for recreation center participants with focus on safe alignment and breathwork.
- Designed class routines promoting flexibility, strength, balance, and stress reduction.
- Adapted sequences for varied skill levels, injuries, and accessibility needs.
- Monitored participant form and provided corrective feedback during poses.
Teaching Assistant for First-Year Learning Student
9 Months- Facilitated discussion sections and clarified course concepts for diverse undergraduate students.
- Supported office hours by answering student questions and reinforcing lesson objectives.
- Graded assignments and exams using faculty rubrics to maintain consistent evaluation standards.
- Prepared class materials, handouts, and classroom resources for weekly instruction.
- Guided about 50 students through assignments, study strategies, and assisted with writing techniques and strategies
- Facilitated activities in small groups of 5-8 students to reinforce concepts taught in class.
Education
Masters - Teaching English as a Second Language
Bachelor of Arts - American Multi Cultural Studies
Associate of Arts – AA Liberal Arts and Sciences - General Studies and Humanities
Diploma - Culinary Arts, Patisserie, and Management
High School Diploma
Skills
Customer focus
Coaching skills
Fitness Program Development
Cultural sensitivity
Inclusive Communication
Comprehensive wellness
Class design
Team development
Action Research
Technological Proficiency
Administrative Support
Networking
Timeline
Area Manager
StretchLab Prosper & Arlington
01.2026 - 06.2026Read More
Lead Stretch Therapist
StretchLab Prosper
07.2025 - 01.2026Read More
ESL Instructor
Shepherd School of Language
01.2025 - 10.2025Read More
Yoga, Pilates, and Sculpt Instructor
Real Hot Yoga
11.2024 - CurrentRead More
ESL Assistant Teacher
EC Los Angeles Language School
06.2024 - 08.2024Read More
After-School Coach/Tutor
LAUSD Beyond The Bell
08.2023 - 12.2023Read More
Stretch Therapist
StretchLab Westlake Village
05.2023 - 11.2024Read More
Interim Studio Experience Team Lead
CorePower Yoga Studio
05.2023 - 10.2024Read More
Academic Tutor
Los Angeles Pierce College
08.2022 - 12.2023Read More
Teaching Assistant for College Composition
Los Angeles Pierce College
08.2022 - 12.2023Read More
Customer Service Associate/Playground Safety
Kids Empire
05.2021 - 07.2022Read More
Student-Teacher for Student-initiated Course
Sonoma State University
01.2019 - 05.2019Read More
Yoga Teacher
Sonoma State University Recreation Center
08.2018 - 05.2019Read More
Teaching Assistant for First-Year Learning Student
Sonoma State University
08.2017 - 05.2018Read More
La Salle Green Hills
High School Diploma
Read More
Center for Culinary Arts
Diploma from Culinary Arts, Patisserie, and Management
Read More
Los Angeles Pierce College
Associate of Arts – AA Liberal Arts and Sciences from General Studies and Humanities
Read More
Sonoma State University
Bachelor of Arts from American Multi Cultural Studies
Read More
Pepperdine University
Masters from Teaching English as a Second Language
Read More
PUBLICATION
- Zabala, C.M.A. (2021). [Review of The Folklorist in the Marketplace: Conversations at the Crossroads of Vernacular Culture and Economics, by W.G. Mullins & P. Batra-Wells]. Studies in Popular Culture, 43(2), 140–142.
- https://www.jstor.org/stable/27122881
- Zabala, C. M. (2026). From Pikachu to proficiency: An autoethnography of language learning through pop culture. In K. Wong & F. Jaumont (Eds.), Beyond perfection: The beauty of imperfect language learning. CALEC–TBR Books.