Lisa Thornton
Minneapolis,MN
Summary
I am a positive and friendly team member, with years of experience in teaching and leading others in both fitness and education. I have positive recommendations from both employers and clients in creating engaging lessons and welcoming environments. I have taught dance fitness and mat pilates to a wide range of ages and ability levels, and enjoy group fitness design and client motivation as well as cultivating strong relationships. I am known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset and am committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Zumba, Dance Fusion, and Mat Pilates Instructor
Mountainside Fitness
01.2025 - 05.2026
- Crafted choreography and led weekly dance classes
- Designed and led weekly mat pilates classes
- Received consistently positive feedback from both clients and colleagues alike regarding instructional skills
- Developed strong relationships with clients, resulting in high retention rates and referrals
- Increased studio membership by conducting engaging group classes for various skill levels
- Provided modifications while teaching for a variety of ages and ability levels
Preschool Teacher
New Covenant Lutheran School
10.2021 - 05.2026
- Created and led engaging and dynamic lessons for children ages 3-4
- Developed strong relationships with parents and caregivers, providing regular updates on their child''s progress and addressing any concerns proactively
- Evaluated student performance regularly through observation, assessment tools, and parent-teacher conferences to ensure academic growth was being achieved consistently across all areas of development
- Ensured a safe and nurturing environment for all students, adhering to health and safety guidelines in the classroom
- Boosted children''s social development by promoting positive interactions among peers through group activities and collaborative projects
Elementary School Teacher
Charlotte Mecklenburg School System; Minneapolis Public Schools; Scottsdale Public Schools
07.2006 - 05.2016
- Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth
- Promoted a growth mindset in the classroom by encouraging students to set goals, embrace challenges, and persevere through obstacles
- Evaluated and assessed student progress regularly, providing constructive feedback and adapting teaching methods accordingly
- Established a positive classroom environment through effective classroom management strategies, fostering respect and cooperation among students
Girls High School Lacrosse Coach
Roseville, Myers Park and Chaparral High Schools
01.2001 - 05.2015
- Developed and delivered effective and engaging coaching sessions to improve performance
- Fostered a supportive and competitive environment, promoting teamwork and individual growth
- Maintained high team morale with positive coaching strategies
Education
Master of Arts - Teaching K-6
University of North Carolina, Charlotte
Charlotte, NC05-2010
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy
Bethel University
St. Paul, MN05-2006
Study Abroad Experience - Philosophy of Art History
Oxford University
Oxford, England09-2005
Skills
- Zumba and dance fitness instruction
- Pilates instruction
- Youth sports coach
- Teacher
- Leader
- Critical thinking
- Adaptable
- Relationship building
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Dependable and responsible
- Flexible and adaptable
Certification
- Zumba Instructor Training License
- Mat Pilates Instructor Certification - Mountainside Fitness
- CPR and First Aid Certification - American Red Cross
Timeline
Zumba, Dance Fusion, and Mat Pilates Instructor
Mountainside Fitness
01.2025 - 05.2026
Preschool Teacher
New Covenant Lutheran School
10.2021 - 05.2026
Elementary School Teacher
Charlotte Mecklenburg School System; Minneapolis Public Schools; Scottsdale Public Schools
07.2006 - 05.2016
Girls High School Lacrosse Coach
Roseville, Myers Park and Chaparral High Schools
01.2001 - 05.2015
Master of Arts - Teaching K-6
University of North Carolina, Charlotte
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy
Bethel University
Study Abroad Experience - Philosophy of Art History
Oxford University