Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Affiliations
References
Timeline
Generic

Lori Jacobsen

Burnsville,NC

Summary

A pioneering movement educator and wellness guide with 30 years of experience synthesizing yoga, dance, and kinetic arts into transformative, student-centered practices. Expert in fostering inclusive communities and facilitating profound mind-body connections through empathetic, trauma-informed instruction. Leverages deep historical knowledge of movement traditions to develop innovative, accessible programming that builds strength, mobility, and confidence for diverse populations across all age groups.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Wellness Instructor

Mountain Air Country Club
Burnsville, North Carolina
05.2025 - Current

* Developed and taught all-levels classes, including Mindful Movement Yoga, Cardio Pump (HIIT/Strength), and Hula Hoop workshops, focusing on mobility, strength, and functional fitness.

* Created and led a popular Family Fitness & Yoga program, engaging children and parents in collaborative movement and play.

* Fostered a fun, supportive atmosphere that increased participant retention and promoted overall well-being.

Founder & Lead Educator

HoopDanceYoga.com
Burnsville, NC
01.2022 - Current

* Develop and implement a comprehensive curriculum blending yoga, dance, hula hooping, and somatic practices for clients of all ages and abilities.

* Provide personalized health and wellness coaching, utilizing a trauma-informed lens to support client goals and transitions.

* Spearhead community-building initiatives to create a sustainable network of holistic support for local clients.

* Manage all business operations, including marketing, client acquisition, scheduling, and maintaining licensure and insurance.

Pre-K Assistant Teacher

Evolve Early Learning Center
Asheville, North Carolina
04.2021 - 01.2022

* Supported a neurodiverse classroom during COVID-19, implementing strict health, safety, and masking protocols.

* Designed and facilitated engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons that encouraged emotional expression, self-regulation, and joyful movement.

* Collaborated with families to provide trauma-informed support, meeting each child at their unique developmental stage.

Gym Director & Lead Instructor

The Little Gym of Columbia
Columbia, South Carolina
01.2020 - 11.2020

* Managed full business administration, staff scheduling, and customer relations for a children's fitness facility.

* Led gymnastics, dance, and camp programs for children ages 4-12.

* Pioneered the rapid transition to virtual programming at the onset of COVID-19, producing and broadcasting engaging movement lessons via social media to maintain community engagement.

* Directed the safe reopening of the facility by implementing new health protocols and contactless technology.

Dance & Movement Instructorstr

Brockman Elementary School
Columbia, South Carolina
09.2018 - 01.2020

* Designed and taught a full Montessori-aligned dance curriculum for Pre-K through 5th grade, covering Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and mindfulness practices.

* Choreographed and staged large-scale theatrical performances, including "School House Rocks Live!"

* Integrated physical education and healthful life skills into daily movement activities.

Founder & Educator

Metamorphosis Life Skills
West Columbia, South Carolina
05.2013 - 01.2020

* Provided private movement education and occupational therapy support, with a focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

* Utilized yoga, dance, and hula hooping as therapeutic tools to support clients' health, wellness, and developmental goals.

* Developed life skills programs tailored to individual client needs.

Education

Master At Teacher (MAT)

Simmons College
Boston, MA
08-2004

Secondary Education - History & Geography

Clemson University
Clemson, SC
05-2002

Skills

Technical: Program development Trauma-Informed Instruction Somatic Practices Wellness Coaching Business administration Virtual Instruction

Instructional: Student-Centered Learning Differentiated Instruction Progressive Skill Building Mindfulness Instruction Movement Analysis Embodiment Practices

Interpersonal: Community building Motivational Leadership Mentorship Collaborative Communication Neurodiversity-Affirming Inclusive Facilitation

Certification

* 500-Hour Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT), HoopYogini Master Trainer | 2013 – Present

* ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor**, HoolaFit | 2017 – Present

Affiliations

  • Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Wellness Instructor

Mountain Air Country Club
05.2025 - Current

Founder & Lead Educator

HoopDanceYoga.com
01.2022 - Current

Pre-K Assistant Teacher

Evolve Early Learning Center
04.2021 - 01.2022

Gym Director & Lead Instructor

The Little Gym of Columbia
01.2020 - 11.2020

Dance & Movement Instructorstr

Brockman Elementary School
09.2018 - 01.2020

Founder & Educator

Metamorphosis Life Skills
05.2013 - 01.2020

Master At Teacher (MAT)

Simmons College

Secondary Education - History & Geography

Clemson University
Lori Jacobsen