IMPACT certified instructors have completed over 150 training hours in full force empowerment self-defense. Our instructors are versed in physical, verbal, and sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention. We are committed to ending violence by sharing IMPACT's empowerment self-defense classes with as many people as possible.Our classes are team-taught by a "Whistle Instructor" and a "Suited Instructor." The Whistle Instructor demonstrates physical and verbal techniques, facilitates group discussions, models how to fight back against a mock assailant, and coaches students during their practice fights.
The Suited Instructor wears protective gear and plays the role of mock assailant, allowing our students to practice techniques from verbal boundary-setting to full force blows in realistic scenarios.
Admin Staff
Linda Leu, Executive Director
Linda (she/her) came to IMPACT with professional experience in the non-profit sector, a Master’s Degree in Public Health, and professional experience in public policy, advocacy, leadership, and fundraising. She brings experience working directly helping individuals recover from trauma, teaching trauma-informed mindfulness and yoga to youth and adults in the juvenile justice system and other institutions. At IMPACT, she's excited to be able to combine her love for non-profit leadership, people empowering themselves, and addressing trauma. Linda is proud to have facilitated collaborations that created IMPACT trainings for Women of Color, AAPIs and Interrupting Oppression.
Sarah Thomas, Program Director
Sarah (she/her) took her first IMPACT class in 2015 and was so inspired she began volunteering as a class assistant. Now as Program Director she is thrilled to bring her previous experience in nonprofit operations to one of her favorite organizations. She believes the profound changes that IMPACT has helped her embrace in her life should be available to everyone, and she loves to encourage a sense of empowerment and worthiness in every student who steps onto the mat. Sarah is also an avid arts supporter, Harry Potter fan, and proud rescue dog-mom.
Emma Goldhoff, Program Coordinator
Emma (they/she) is a Social Work student who is passionate about empowerment! Emma brings experience from previous roles that take a trauma-informed approach to meeting the needs of survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, and focus on building safer communities through advocacy and education. Outside of IMPACT and school, Emma loves to climb outdoors and in the gym, and enjoys cooking delicious and nutritious meals!
Nathan Marken, Administrative Manager
Nathan (he/him) brings a diverse administrative background to IMPACT Bay Area, having extensive experience in the fields of property management and higher education. Nathan holds a Masters degree in Music Performance and also sings professionally with The Kinsey Sicks, an internationally-recognized Dragapella® quartet of which Nathan is also a Managing Partner. He is committed to bringing creative solutions to meeting IMPACT Bay Area's mission of empowerment to women and other marginalized folks. Nathan is also a member of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition and has served with the Queer Chorus of San Francisco's Board of Directors since 2009 and is a past-Treasurer.
