Circus of the Kids

Transforming Students. Strengthening Communities.

Circus of the Kids

Transforming Students. Strengthening Communities.

For more than 40 years, Circus of the Kids has partnered with schools, education boards, and community organizations to deliver transformative youth development programs. Through the discipline of circus arts, we help students build self-confidence, motivation, teamwork, and leadership, skills that strengthen academic performance and foster lifelong resilience.

Circus of the Kids is a proven investment in the success of young people, particularly those from underserved or at-risk backgrounds. Our programs are more than entertainment; they are structured interventions that change lives and inspire communities.

Self-confidence
Team Spirit
Leadership

About Circus of the Kids

About Circus of the Kids

Mission Statement

Our mission is to empower children and youth to believe in themselves by providing uniquely challenging experiences. Through circus arts, we strengthen confidence, perseverance, teamwork, and leadership in ways that carry over into school, family, and community life.

Why It Matters

Builds resilient learners who engage more fully in school
Develops essential soft skills—teamwork, discipline, leadership—that are critical for future success
Provides inclusive opportunities for all children, including those who are underprivileged, at-risk, or living with special needs

Our Team

Leadership

Bruce Pfeffer

Founder & President
Bruce Pfeffer

Bruce Pfeffer has dedicated over 40 years to inspiring young people through circus arts. A performer with Disney, Six Flags, and international circus tours, Bruce created Circus of the Kids in 1982 to give children the opportunity to push beyond their limits, develop confidence, and discover hidden talents. Under his leadership, more than 700,000 students have participated in transformative programs across the United States.

Olivier Lazar

Chief Executive Officer
Olivier Lazar

Olivier Lazar is a global leader in organizational transformation, nonprofit management, and education. As CEO, he brings decades of experience in leadership development, academic partnerships, and social impact programming to expand the reach and sustainability of Circus of the Kids.

David Urias

Chief Operations Officer
David Urias

David Urias is a seasoned nonprofit and education operations leader with expertise in organizational development, team leadership, and program delivery. His background includes managing large-scale educational initiatives and operational excellence in mission-driven organizations.

Gitonga Kanampiu

Chief Finance Officer
Gitonga Kanampiu

MBA, CRTP, and former professor of Accounting at National University, Gitonga has decades of expertise in nonprofit finance, compliance, and grant reporting. His guidance ensures fiscal responsibility, transparency, and sustainability for Circus of the Kids.

Board of Directors

Tammy Keeney (Chair) Veteran coach, performer, and curriculum developer in circus and arts education.
Eddie Boyd (Secretary) Recreation superintendent with extensive experience managing camps and community programs.
Vivian Bracewell (Treasurer) Experienced nonprofit finance and governance professional.
Dr. David Pargman Retired professor of educational psychology and sport performance expert.
Heather Withrow Camp director, fundraiser, and nonprofit executive.
Brian Langlais Board-certified orthotist/prosthetist and former COTK coach.

Contact

FOR PARTNERSHIPS AND DONOR ENGAGEMENT