Caitlyn Casson is a yoga teacher, professional dancer, certified functional strength coach and a positive psychology facilitator living in New York City. She loves her work and has a passion for mindfulness and movement. On her path to discovering career happiness, Casson studied at the Academy of Performing Arts at Gloucester County Institute of Technology (GCIT).
Casson, a Vineland native, said enrolling in the dance program at GCIT gave her the knowledge, determination, and tools needed to be successful in her career.
“The education I received at GCIT was incredibly well-rounded and offered me a strong foundation not only for my career but also for life,” said Casson. “The combination of collegiate level academics, intensive training in my vocation, and supportive educators helped me develop the skills and confidence I needed to pursue my goals long term.”
While at GCIT, Casson was an active performer and leader within the dance program and won a 2008 Governor’s Award in Arts Education. She graduated from GCIT in 2008, and then earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance from the University of South Florida in 2012. She has 500+hr RYT Yoga Certifications for Vinyasa Yoga, Rocket Yoga, Mobility Conditioning, Yin Yoga, and Family and Kids Yoga. Casson also earned a Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology from The Flourishing Center in 2022 and is a Certified Functional Strength Coach.
Drawing upon her various expertise, Casson founded Expand Positive Movement, an integrative wellness program that blends yoga, functional strength training, breathing, meditation, and science-backed positive psychology interventions. Through personalized coaching, on-demand content, and corporate wellness solutions, Casson helps women reclaim their energy, improve mental clarity, and build strength while fostering balance and joy in their lives.
Casson has also sustained a dance career since graduating from GCIT. She has performed contemporary dance repertoire by renowned artists such as Bill T. Jones, Doug Varone, Talley Beatty, and Sean Curran. Her artistic pursuits have taken her to perform and teach at prestigious venues worldwide, including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Kigali Ubumuntu Festival, Fringe Istanbul, Centro Cultural Kirchner in Buenos Aires, Fondation des États-Unis in Paris, and The Place in London.
In addition, Casson’s artistic endeavors led her to Cape Town, South Africa, where she spent five months performing a world premiere with the Anderson Carvalho Dance Company at The Baxter Theatre. Since 2013, she has served as an International Dance Trainer and Teacher Training Specialist with MindLeaps, working in East and West Africa and Eastern Europe. In New York City, Casson performs with contemporary dance companies such as Ariel Rivka Dance and Matthew Westerby Company.
Although busy with her career, Casson appreciates her education at GCIT and gives back to the school by serving on the Academy’s advisory board and being a guest artist.
“Beyond the technical knowledge, I learned valuable lessons in problem-solving and collaboration at GCIT that continue to benefit me in every area of my life,” said Casson.
“GCIT prepared me to excel professionally while also encouraging personal growth, community building and resilience.”
