In November of 1977...

…Head Over Heels founder Kathleen Macchia opened the doors of our first facility.

It was an 800 square foot space in Oakland, California.

1977 - 1983

Head Over Heels founder Kathleen Macchia opened an 800 square foot space in Oakland, California. Within 18 months Head Over Heels had a student base of 50 students. Two years later after moving to a shared 1,200 square foot space on Telegraph Avenue in Oakland, the enrollment grew to 250 and an additional space down the street was needed to accommodate all the classes.

1983 - 1998

Head Over Heels relocated to a larger 4,000 square foot space in Emeryville, CA and grew to 400 students. In 1987, HOH’s first competitive program began. In 1991, HOH expanded into 6,800 square space in the 4701 Doyle Street complex and grew to 600 students. During this time the first circus arts classes were added to our program offerings. In 1996, Head Over Heels made the big move to 1250 45th Street, a 22,000 square foot facility that would now accommodate adult classes, capoeira, dance, and fitness classes as well as birthday parties and camps were added to our repertoire.

1998 - 2006

Head Over Heels became a non-profit 501c3 in 1998. Founder Kathleen became the organization’s first executive director until she retired in 2000. Within its twenty years of business, Head Over Heels had employed over 200 coaches and taught over 10,000 children. From 2000 – 2006, there were several major facility and financial issues that led to the decision to relocate to our current space at 4701 Doyle Street, Bldg. F. With the volunteer help of staff and supporters, HOH moved and reassembled in less than a week to its current location.

2006 - 2014

The organization continued to expand its programs and develop its community outreach efforts. As HOH celebrated 30 years in business in 2007, programs like our competitive Boys Team, Power Tumbling Team, and Girls Xcel Teams were added to the program offerings. During this time, the board of directors established the Annual Giving Fund to provide financial aid and scholarships for families in need.

2014 - 2019

After opening a smaller second location within the same complex for our preschool age students, enrollment expanded to 1,800+ students within various programs, ages, and abilities. The organization’s community presence continued to flourish by hosting large competitions, partnering with local community organizations, and providing physical education to local schools. During this time, our high level students began achieving significant athletic accomplishments – becoming national champions, receiving collegiate athletic scholarships, participating in World Championships.

2020 - present

Head Over Heels faced its biggest challenges during the covid-19 pandemic of 2020-2021. Through extended closures and significant layoffs, a core group of staff developed online programming and services for essential workers through the pandemic. The support of our member base, the local community, foundations, and financial institutions provided us with the infrastructure for the post-pandemic era. As both old and new students gradually return, HOH is committed to fulfilling our duties as a pillar of the community.