STAFF
Genny Pinzon,
Health Promotion Program Manager
Genny began her career as an instructor in 2010. She started by teaching Zumba Gold to older adults and fell in love with the possibility to impact their lives through movement.
She oversees the Always Active program, which includes multi-component exercise classes that incorporate joint mobility, strength training, cardio and flexibility, as well as, a Fall Prevention 12-week program. For her it is rewarding and powerful to see participants who could not move well, regain their independence, build a community and continue to live their lives to their full capacity.
Certifications: Functional Aging Group Exercise Specialist 2024, NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist 2023, NASM Personal Trainer 2021, AFAA Personal trainer 2017, AFAA Group Exercise Instructor 2015, Zumba instructor since 2010, Licensed to teach, Strong by Zumba®, Zumba® Toning, Aqua Zumba®, Zumba Sentao®, Zumba Gold®, Zumba® Kids & Kids Jr., Zumba® Step, Zumba in Circuit. AED/CPR certified.
Diana Lara,
Health Promotion Program Specialist and Instructor
Diana Lara, a dancer, performer, and educator, began her ballet journey at age 8 in Honduras. She later studied contemporary dance in Mexico for 15 years, graduating from the choreography program at the Mexican National Institute of Fine Arts in 2003. With 20 years of experience, she teaches dance and somatic classes in both English and Spanish to diverse populations, including older adults, professional dancers, and survivors of domestic violence and trauma. Diana’s passion lies in enhancing body awareness, coordination, and balance, fostering comfort in movement. Currently pursuing a master’s in Kinesiology at San Francisco State University, she resides in San Francisco, enjoying nature walks with her husband and dog, Tino.
Certifications: M.S. in Kinesiology with emphasis in Movement Science from San Francisco State University, M.S. in population and health from Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana in Mexico City, 200-hour yoga certification, Body-Mind Centering® certification on Developmental movement and yoga, certification on tai-chi for arthritis and fall prevention from the Tai-chi for Health Institute, group exercise leader by the Functional Aging institute, CPR/AED. Visit: www.dianalara-somatics.com
Tony Poon,
Always Active Program Coordinator
Tony joined Always Active in 2024. He previously worked as an Information Specialist before transitioning to Always Active as a program coordinator. Driven by a passion for improving the well-being of others, Tony is a strong advocate for senior mental health and promoting healthy lifestyles for older adults.
Certifications: BS in Computer Science from SFSU
Esther Wu
Always Active Program Coordinator
Esther joined Always Active in 2025. She has been working in the aging field for over four years and brings a deep commitment to supporting the well-being of older adults. She’s passionate about creating welcoming, inclusive spaces where seniors can stay active, build connections, and thrive as part of a vibrant community. At Always Active, Esther is proud to be part of a team that uplifts and empowers older adults through movement and joy.
Certifications: BA in Asian American Study from SFSU
Christian J. Thompson,
Fall Prevention Program Director
Dr. Chris is an Associate Professor at the Kinesiology Department at University of San Francisco. He has been teaching with Always Active since its inception in 2007, and he created the Fall Prevention Program that is offered at 30th Street Senior Center and Aquatic Park Senior Center. Reducing fall risk and improving fitness in older adults is his career passion.
Certifications: Ph.D. in Kinesiology
INSTRUCTORS
Ann Rieger-Matthews,
Always Active Instructor
Ann’s teaching journey began years ago as a ski instructor. In 2013, she joined the Always Active program as an assistant. Ann completed her American Senior Fitness Association training in 2014 and Functional Aging Institute training in 2017. Passionate about enhancing balance, range of motion, and strength in adults, she has crafted programs for both youth and seniors and has experience working with Alzheimer’s and M.S. patients. Thrilled to be part of Always Active, Ann is delighted to assist students in improving their health and functional abilities.
Dina Lisha,
Always Active Instructor
Dina’s interest in dance and movement for elders began 15 years ago when she taught residents in an assisted living home. After just 30 minutes of gentle movement, the residents’ spirits and outlook greatly improved with laughter and a sparkle in their eyes. Since June 2021 Dina Lisha has been a fitness instructor at Community Living Campaign teaching elders of all skill levels and abilities. Prior to that she was employed for three years at The Institute of Aging as a fitness instructor and an activity coordinator for elders.
Certifications: Bachelor of Arts, Dance and Physical Education from SFSU, Certified 200-hour Yoga instructor, Training in Dance for Parkinson’s
Jackie Wise,
Always Active & Fall Prevention Instructor
Jackie was born and raised in sunny San Diego and relocated to Sacramento after living in San Francisco for 27 years. At 40, she realized that life isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. The progress of growing and turning challenges into learning opportunities and being empowered by what one does. For her, this progress was rekindled when she resumed an active lifestyle. She began her second act, working at a women’s fitness center in my Outer Sunset neighborhood in San Francisco, CA. Before long, she was teaching circuit classes and managing the gym. She discovered Zumba Fitness in 2007 and was hooked. She instantly fell in love with the music and knew this is what she was looking for.
Certifications: AEA: Aquatic Fitness Professional and Group Fitness Instructor, FAI: Aging Group Exercise Specialist, SCW: Personal Trainer, Ballet Barre Fitness, Foam Rolling Certification, Pilates Matwork and S.E.A.T. ACE IFT Model: Personal Training Program Design, Zumba Fitness: Zumba® Basic 1 and Basic 2, Zumba® Toning, Zumba® Gold Toning Aqua Zumba®, Zumba Sentao®, Zumba Gold®, Zumba® Kids & Kids Jr., Zumba® Step, Zumba in Circuit, Circle Mobility, CPR PRO/AED/First Aid Certified
Joan Comendant,
Always Active Instructor
Joan resides in St. Helena with her husband and brings extensive expertise to her role as a senior fitness instructor, particularly in Tai Chi. With 21 years of experience, she has served as a personal trainer and Tai Chi instructor throughout Napa County, working with diverse groups at junior colleges, retirement homes, and senior centers. After discovering the benefits of Tai Chi for Arthritis, she was inspired to teach it due to its remarkable impact on many individuals. In addition to her professional pursuits, Joan finds joy in hiking, cycling, and exploring new destinations through travel.
Certifications: SCW Fitness Certification: SCW T'ai Chi and Qi Gong Certification, B.E.A.M: Bio Electric Assessment Methods for Body Workers and Chiropractors, Fitour: Advanced Upper Body Strength Training Analysis and Application for the Fitness Professional, Fitour: Aqua Power, American Senior Fitness Association: Certified Professional Senior Fitness Instructor, American Senior Fitness Association: Long term care fitness leader, Certified Massage Technician, Parkison Wellness Recovery: PWR!Moves
Linda,
Always Active Instructor
Linda has been instructing the Always Active Exercise Class for over a decade. Being a senior herself, she finds teaching this class beneficial for her own well-being. She firmly believes that in Always Active classes, seniors not only make friends but also enjoy the class, thus avoiding isolation.
Monique Jenkinson ,
Always Active Instructor
Monique Jenkinson is a multi-disciplinary artist, performer, choreographer and educator, who teaches various movement modalities. She has taught yoga for twenty-five years (UCSF, Fitness SF, ODC, and EHS Pilates) has created curricula for On Lok/Club 75 at Open House, Studio ACT, St. Mary’s College and San Francisco Art Institute. Monique teaches with an emphasis on alignment, flow, clarity and joy. She approaches her movement practice with a sense of humor, dedication and curiosity, and encourages in her students to do the same. Monique’s teaching gains depth from her continuing work as a dance-based performing artist. Her solo performance works have toured nationally and internationally in wide-ranging contexts from theaters to nightclubs to museums, and her memoir, Faux Queen: A Life in Drag, which has been called “a playful, engaging, critically serious, counter-culturally crucial memoir,” is out now on Amble Press.
Certifications: certified by Total Barre at the Integral Yoga Institute, B.A. (double major) in Dance and Literature from Bennington College
Rachel Beck,
Always Active Instructor
Rachel is new to Always Active in 2024. As someone who has recovered from an ankle injury, she is eager to help older adults work on cardio, strength, flexibility, and balance to keep their muscles, bones, and joints in good condition, and to increase their fitness and mobility.
Rachel Ostrom,
Always Active Instructor
Rachel resides in Eugene, Oregon after living in San Francisco for a couple of years and first began teaching Always Active classes at OMI Senior Center. She has taught Always Active since 2022. Her passions for fitness and general health and well-being have inspired her to teach seniors in an environment that makes class accessible to some who may not be able to join otherwise. She loves starting her week with an Always Active class interacting with clients and seeing them engage in physical activity that makes them smile! In addition to her professional endeavors, Rachel finds joy in skiing, hiking, and cooking.
Certifications: Certified Functional Aging Group Exercise Specialist, 250-Hour Yoga Certification, CPR/AED Certification
Rowena Richie,
Always Active & Tai chi Instructor
Rowena leads our Always Active class, as well as Tai Chi. Her mission is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves to feel seen and heard. She strives to help individuals discover ease in their bodies, empowering them to lead fuller, healthier lives. Rowena is passionate about fostering a sense of connection—both with ourselves and within our communities. She believes that when we feel more in tune with our bodies and each other, we can truly thrive.
Above all, Rowena is committed to making the journey enjoyable. Fun is a vital ingredient in her classes, as she knows that joy can enhance well-being and create lasting bonds among participants. Whether through movement or shared laughter, she aims to create an uplifting environment where everyone can flourish together.
Certifications: Functional Aging Group Exercise Specialist, Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention Instruction, Senior Fitness Instructor, Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health at the Global Brain Health Institute
Sally Sexton,
Always Active Instructor
While new to Always Active, Sally is a proud and long-standing member of the San Francisco Wellness Community. For over twelve years she has taught fitness classes for older adults and persons with disabilities throughout the City. Classes include Tai Chi, Qigong, Stretch, Aqua Strength and a mix of balance, strength, flexibility and standing/seated cardio.
What Sally most enjoys about leading classes is the wonderful chemistry of the Group. She believes we all learn from one another, and that our exchanges are impowering and enriching.
Not to mention fun!
Certifications: Arthritis Foundation Group Exercise Instructor; Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Instructor; Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention, Parts 1&2; Tai Chi for Energy, Parts 1&2; Exploring the Depths of Energy; YMCASF Diabetes Prevention Wellness Coach, CPR/AED. Tai Chi Gold Medal winner (Beginner Level), Chinese Martial Arts Tournament, Berkeley, CA
Stephanie Neira,
Always Active Instructor
Dance, exercise, and movement have always been a key part of Stephanie’s life. Growing up in Pittsburgh, she began dance lessons as a child and later taught as a teen. She discovered flamenco in her hometown, which led her to study and perform in Spain. After returning to the Washington, D.C. area, she continued flamenco while earning a nursing degree, starting a family, and working. In 1994, Stephanie moved to San Francisco, where she continued teaching and performing flamenco. In 2004, she began leading exercise classes at the Buchanan YMCA, a role she held until 2020.
Stephanie’s professional highlights include performing with the Massuli Dance Company in Spain, the Raquel Pena Dance Company at the Kennedy Center, and annually with the Golden Gate Park Band. Flamenco continues to be central to her life, focusing on teaching and occasional performances with her students. She is also grateful to lead exercise classes for CLC.
Certifications: YMCA older adult exercise training certification, Always Active Certification, and Zumba Gold Certification
Sue Mittelman,
Always Active Instructor
Inspired by her mother’s battle with severe osteoporosis, Sue sought to assist seniors in maintaining fitness and active lifestyles. Serendipitously, she found an opportunity to volunteer with the Always Active program, which provided training. Under the guidance of Dr. Christian Thompson (USF) and Jim Spinelli, she learned to lead group strength and flexibility classes, with additional training in Fall Prevention. Now, after nine years, Sue serves as a regional coordinator and exercise leader at the Aquatic Park Senior Center and the Always Active Program, supporting seniors in their fitness journeys for the past seven years.
Certifications: Certified through the American Senior Fitness Association and the Functional Aging Institute.
Susan Sullivan,
Fall Prevention Program Instructor
Susan has been teaching fitness for over 17 years and works as a personal trainer and group fitness leader. Prior to her work in fitness, Susan danced professionally for many years & still occasionally performs. Movement has been her life for 50 years, and she loves to inspire others to experience health & fitness.
Certifications: She holds certifications in personal training, senior fitness, yoga & Pilates. Certified ukulele teacher for seniors in San Francisco and Emeryville. ACSM Exercise Physiologist Certified. FAI Functional Aging Specialist. Professional Modern Dancer.
Tiffany Huynh,
Always Active Instructor
Tiffany likes to teach older adults to make them healthier, stronger and happier – that is her goal. When she sees them move and smile it gives her energy, it makes herself healthier too!
Functional Aging Group Exercise Specialist 2024