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​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.

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Community MOVE Consultant

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!

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​​Schools On the Move! Coordinator

Armando earned his BA in Psychology from Manhattanville College. He also holds a yoga certification and has a background as a personal trainer. Born and raised in the Mission District, Armando has been doing martial arts since he was five years old. He has been teaching the art of Capoeira, in English and Spanish, to youth of all ages and abilities for the past 14 years. He has early childhood education experience teaching toddler gymnastics classes to children between the ages of 1-4 years old. He has also been a fitness instructor for adults for the past 8 years.

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​​Schools On the MOVE! Manager

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.

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Site Supervisor, Las Luciérnagas

Cristina moved to the San Francisco Bay Area from Jalisco, Mexico when she was 9 years old.

Cristina holds a B.A. Degree from SFSU in Child and Adolescent Development with an emphasis in Early Childhood and a minor in Special Education and A.S. Degrees from CCSF in Child Development and Social and Behavioral Sciences. Since joining PC in 2016, Cristina has enjoyed fostering strong and healthy relationships with children and families through movement, play, and social-emotional interactions. She has collaborated in leading workshops for parents and caregivers through PC’s programs and currently co-facilitates Family Cafe’s for LL families.

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Head Teacher, Las Luciérnagas

Cynthia graduated with her degree in Early Childhood Studies from Sonoma State University in 2021 and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at University of San Francisco (USF). She loves getting to know the preschool children and community! Once she graduates, she hopes to work with low-income families. When not working at Las Luciernagas, Cynthia loves to be in nature, especially the beach!

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MOVE Instructor

Dayna was born and raised in San Francisco. She’s always loved children and started taking childhood development classes while in high school. She earned her BA in Asian American Studies from San Francisco State University. Dayna started working at Project Commotion in 2018 and has enjoyed deepening her knowledge about the intersection of child development, movement and culture. When she's not causing a commotion, you might find her busy crafting!

She/Her

Hello, my name is Destiney Jackson and I'm excited to embark on this journey with your little ones. I am originally from LA but moved to SF for my Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education. When it comes to the classroom, I'm always looking for a new way to create a safe and welcoming environment for children to be able to advocate for themselves. In my spare time I enjoy painting and outdoors activities, especially hiking with my dog!

She/Her

Hello my name is Gennessey Martinez, I am a bi-lingual Bay Area Native and as well as a first-gen student at CCSF where I am currently studying Early Childhood Education! I have been serving children In San Francisco since the summer of 2021. In 2022 I moved to Colorado during my time in which I served low-income children as an intervention specialist. Where I would help those who were slightly behind due to the impact of COVID-19 and be the bridge to aid support in their learning. In 2023, I served our San Franciscan children as a Preschool Teacher, specifically working in our older 3-year-old classroom. I also aided our pre-k classroom by being a floater supporting our neurodivergent friends. Being a part of the move team I feel as if I’m directly serving a part of my community. Being able to serve different classrooms has become something I have deeply enjoyed, especially making connections with teachers and their students! While not at Project Commotion, I enjoy spending time with myself, and my family and being outside appreciating nature!

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​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.

He/Him

Jose Huerta is teacher of Physical Education and soccer coach, He was Coach and Physical Trainer of the Peruvian team down syndrome futsal (2020), Coach, San Francisco United F.C (2023), 7 years of experience working with children, he has a Master in Neuroeducation and Physical Education, Specialization in Physical Education primary level, Soccer Studies Barcelona - Spain, PC is an ideal place for him. Movement is a great tool for children, on a physical and cognitive level, moving generates ideal motor neurons for the construction of their thoughts. Teaching is her vocation, she really enjoys watching children learn. A Teacher in the world has the power to change many lives, as a teacher he understands the responsibility he has.

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Schools on the MOVE! Instructor

Lily has always been captivated by the healing power of movement. However, she was drawn to Project Commotion because it perfectly encapsulates her love for using movement and the body to support individuals in building empathy, confidence, and emotional regulation skills. Lily became passionate about holistic harm prevention strategies at Pitzer College, where she used dance to work with incarcerated individuals and their loved ones. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and Legal Studies and is committed to using her education to support all people with their developmental needs.

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Culture & Curricula Coordinator

Marion is an early childhood and movement specialist based in the Pacific Northwest. They hold a B.A. in Dance and Psychology from Mills College, and a graduate certificate in Infant/Toddler Mental Health from 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.

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Operations Coordinator

My Name is Ney Hoato, and I am the operations coordinator here at Project Commotion by way of Americorps. I am excited to be able to work with Project Commotion and be able to help them in their mission to serve the community and provide amazing resources for the little ones. Originally from Florida but based out of Livermore I have worked in the non profit sphere for over 5 years doing stage technician work in non profit theater spaces. When I am not at PC I enjoy painting and illustrating, enjoying nature and participating in a Queer Pinball League.

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Head Teacher, Las Luciérnagas

Teacher Raisa is a San Francisco native who loves to eat and try new foods. She has four dogs at home! Raisa has associates degrees in ECE Child Development, Arts and Humanities, and Social and Behavioral Sciences, with am emphasis on Special Education. She loves working at PC because hearing the children laughter creates a warm and welcoming environment. Raisa is so glad to be able to support children’s movement exploration and social emotional growth!

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Schools on the MOVE Instructor

Sarah received her BFA in Dance Performance from the University of California, Irvine, taking keen interest in her classes on early childhood development and multicultural education. Since 2010 Sarah has been a caretaker for families as well as a preschool teacher and dance instructor for 2-4 year olds. In addition to working with kids, Sarah has worked as a professional modern dancer in New York for the last 7 years and continues to teach adults in the Gyrotonic Expansion System. Sarah enjoys getting to be a part of kids developmental processes, and loves nothing more than helping create a safe, nurturing space for kids to explore and express themselves in all their uniqueness.

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Executive Director

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 former faculty member in the Child Development and Family Studies Department at City College of San Francisco, where she taught 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.

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Accounting & Human Resources

Yuliana Macias is native from Jalisco Mexico raised in the Bay Area since a very young age. With more than 10 years of experience in Accounting and Business Administration, she has supported and managed several small businesses across the bay area and peninsula.

She holds a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from CSU East Bay College of Business & Economics with a concentration in Accounting and is a Certified Public Bookkeeper, Payroll Specialist, and QuickBooks Pro Advisor under the National Accountingand Public Bookkeepers Association.

As a parent herself, she is excited to be part of Project Commotion and their commitment to supporting children and families growth through movement.

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Digital Marketing & Development Assistant

Zez Wyatt started working with Project Commotion at the age of nine years old, as a student in Susan’s capoeira classes! After over a decade of taking classes and volunteering with PC, Zez is excited to use degrees in linguistics and creative writing to tell the stories of the kids and families that pass through 2095 Harrison and come out as changed as Zez once was.

When not working at PC or playing capoeira, Zez enjoys reading, birdwatching, and finding cool rocks at the beach.