Hi, We’re Project Commotion!

“Project Commotion's Mission is to foster healthy development in children of all abilities through purposeful movement, play, and family and community relationships.”

 

OUR PHILOSOPHY

 

We meet children where they are based on their physical capabilities, sensory awareness, and brain development then bridge them to the next step in their developmental process.

 

OUR VALUES

 
 

Relationships

We build relationships directly with our students, their families, and the greater community. These relationships establish a foundation for the success of our programs, supporting the mind/body health of all individuals.

Intentional Environments

We cultivate an intentional environment that is responsive to children’s needs by utilizing developmentally appropriate equipment, respecting individual boundaries, and maintaining an intimate teacher-student ratio.

Movement & Sensory-Motor Experiences

Movement and sensory-motor experiences are fundamental to all that we do. Handstanding, spinning, hanging, crashing on mats, and cartwheeling encourages active brains and bodies that help children develop self-regulation and healthy social behavior.  

Commitment to Diversity

We are committed to creating an inclusive space that embraces all cultures, abilities, genders, socioeconomic backgrounds, and languages, ensuring equal access to all children and families that partner with us.

Healthy Communities & Wellness

We encourage an active lifestyle and promote physical and emotional wellness by suggesting healthy food options, offering movement as an outlet for stress, and fostering human interaction.

Embracing Play

We recognize play as an important daily practice that is crucial for the development of people of all ages and stages of life.

 

Meet Our Staff

  • Ana Magaña

    she/her

    ​Floater, Las Luciérnagas

    “Ana first came to Project Commotion as a parent before joining our staff as an aide in early childhood and enrichment programs. She is excited about the opportunity to expand her understanding of child development beyond her experiences with her own six children. She enjoys working with Project Commotion's students because each has a unique, positive impact on her. During her free time, Ana likes to dance Zumba and cook.”

  • Annie Aguilar

    she/her

    ​Curricula Coordinator and Movement Instructor

    “Annie is a dancer, movement educator, and doula originally from the foothills of California. She has trained in modern and classical dance techniques and the creative process in San Francisco, New York, North Carolina, Vermont, and Argentina. Annie holds a B.A. in Neuroscience from Middlebury College, where she dedicated her undergraduate years to working in public health and early childhood education. Outside of PC, Annie pursues freelance dance projects with several different companies. When she has a few hours to spare, you can find Annie hiking in the Berkeley hills!”

  • Carol Acevedo

    she/her

    ​​Schools On the Move! Coordinator

    “Carol Acevedo is a dancer and dance educator who has trained in several disciplines, including Contemporary Dance, Ballet, Colombian Folklore and Pilates. She has 10 years of experience as a teacher working with children and youth through playful experimentation, movement, physical expression and gymnastics. She is committed to strengthening the integral development of children within the Project Commotion community.

  • Cristina Ponce

    she/her

    Head Teacher Las Luciérnagas, PC Class Coach

    “Cristina Ponce is an assistant teacher for the Las Luciérnagas Preschool and a PC assistant coach. She moved to the San Francisco Bay Area from Jalisco, Mexico when she was 9 years old. Cristina has Associate Degrees in Child Development and Social and Behavioral Sciences, as well as a Certificate in Special Education: Early Intervention focus from City College of San Francisco. Since joining PC in March of 2016, Cristina has enjoyed working with PC families and learning how to support children through movement.”

  • Hannah Kahl

    she/her

    ​Development Officer

    “Hannah Kahl has over a decade of nonprofit management experience, working both domestically and internationally. She has helped to grow community development initiatives and youth programs in Boston, Mexico, Uganda, and Oakland. She moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 2013, inspired by the many progressive movements and the sunshine. She holds a BA in Anthropology and a minor in Spanish from the University of New Hampshire. Seeing the children’s love and enthusiasm for Project Commotion keeps Hannah motivated to find new resources and partnerships.”

  • Julissa Acosta

    she/her

    HR Coordinator, Nutritionist

    “Julissa, a native of Mexico, moved to California after high school to attend college. She worked as a bookkeeper at a construction company for 13 years. In 2017, she enrolled in the Nutrition Consultant program at Bauman College. Her goal is help people feel empowered through good nutrition. She has been a practitioner of Capoeira since 2011. She is excited to lend her expertise in the areas of HR, operations, community outreach, and nutrition education to Project Commotion’s staff and families.”

  • Marion Reader

    they/them

    MOVE Class Coach

    “Marion is an early childhood and movement educator currently living in Seattle, they are thrilled to be re-joining the PC team from afar. Marion holds a B.A. in Dance and Psychology from Mills College, and is currently pursuing their graduate work in Infant/Toddler Mental Health at Portland State University. For the past 8 years Marion has been teaching in theatre, dance, and early learning settings both in Seattle and the Bay Area. They are deeply grateful to be able to share their passion for the intersections of movement, mental health, and early learning with students, families, and the larger community.”

  • Marco Austin

    he/him

    ​Accountant

    “Marco Austin manages all of Project Commotion’s accounting functions. He has more than 15 years of accounting experience in the fields of travel, technology, law and education, and the nonprofit sector. Marco holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Phoenix and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies.”

  • Raisa Le Roy

    she/her

    ​Assistant Teacher, Las Luciérnagas

    “Raisa is a San Francisco native who is currently working on her Early Care & Education degree at CCSF. She loves working at PC and watching the children grow and learn each day! At home, she has three dogs and enjoys working on arts and crafts.”

  • Susan Osterhoff

    “Susan has worked with children of all ages and abilities in movement programs throughout the Bay Area since 2000. She was introduced to the art of Capoeira in 1998, which nourished her love of movement – primarily being upside-down! – and inspired her to combine this passion with the joy of working with children. With over 20 years of training, she is known in the Capoeira world as “Contramestra Formiguinha.”

    Susan is also a faculty member in the Child Development and Family Studies Department at City College of San Francisco, where she teaches classes for parents and caretakers of children ages 0 - 5 years. She holds a BS in Communications from the University of Michigan and a Certificate in Child Development from CCSF. In April 2011, Susan graduated as a Guild Certified Feldenkrais PractitionerTM from the Institute for the Study of Somatic Education in San Francisco.”