AcroSports welcomes Tonya Paoli as Executive Director

Good afternoon AcroSports Community,

I am writing to share some exciting news. After two gratifying years as Executive Director, I have transitioned out of that role and rejoined the AcroSports Board of Directors. I am incredibly proud of what the organization has built over these past couple years. Our Integrative Program offering new programming formats for our neurodiverse students has grown from a pilot with six families in Fall of 2025 to a thriving program with more growth on the horizon. Our Circus Lab youth troupe continues to create inspiring experiences for San Francisco and beyond. AcroSports has emerged as a valued voice for collaboration across the Bay Area circus community.

Tonya Paoli, who served as our Chief Programs Officer, has stepped in as the new Executive Director and brings with her a fresh perspective on AcroSports’ continued growth as an organization and a community. Tonya also brings a wealth of experience from many years of building and supporting programs here at AcroSports as well as her diverse background as a parent, coach, business owner, and leader. The mark of a strong community is the dedication of its members. Tonya and the rest of the AcroSports leadership team have consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment to our students, families, and what are now multiple generations of families learning and growing in our space.  

AcroSports exists to make the joy of gymnastics, parkour, breakdancing, and circus arts accessible to everyone. None of this happens without the people in this community: the coaches, staff, students, and families who show up and devote their energy to the programs that make AcroSports so unique.  I know that same spirit will continue to flourish with Tonya and the rest of the team’s skill, dedication, and a deep love for the AcroSports community and mission. 

Thank you for being part of this community. The best is still ahead. I look forward to seeing you in the gym.

With Gratitude,
Alex Kramer

A message from Tonya: 

Thank you Alex for the kind words and introduction. Stepping into the Executive Director role I feel both a swell of gratitude, and a responsibility I am approaching with intention. I’m grateful to Alex for the foundation of trust and vision he’s built these past two years, and for the continued partnership we’ll share as he returns to the Board of Directors.

I’ve spent my years here as a coach, parent, manager, and Chief Programs Officer, and each of those vantage points has deepened my appreciation for the work we do at AcroSports. This community is defined by generosity of spirit, creativity, unconventionality, accessibility, and a belief in what’s possible for every student who walks through our gym doors. That’s the essence I intend to carry forward. My focus will be on deepening the programs and environments already shaping lives, and on making sure AcroSports remains a place where ambition and accessibility grow side-by-side.

I’m looking forward to banging the drum to the beat of everything this community has already created together. Thank you, dearest community, for the trust you’ve placed in this organization. 

See you in the gym,
Tonya