Early is always better than later. Prevention of difficulties is better than trying to remediate later & it is never too late. The brain is always trying to get things right.
Dr. Jack Shonkoff, Founding Director, Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University
Physical literacy is the first literacy.
PEP programs focus on developing fundamental movement skills, the building blocks for all physical performance and academic learning.
Building confidence and automaticity in core motor skills like balance, coordination, and strength frees the brain.
As a result, students can focus more clearly on higher-order demands of reading, writing, and mathematical fluency.
PEP began in a school gymnasium with one question:
…what if every child learned to move confidently before they are asked to sit still and learn?‍ ‍
Several years of research later we are finally here!
We believe children are born with a natural curiosity & a capacity for movement.
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We provide a safe environment where fundamental motor skills develop through play, practice, and directed activities.
This is how we foster focus, confidence, and strength for lifelong physical literacy.
Our Founder
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Sandra Volkert is on a mission to make fundamental movement skill acquisition the absolute highlight of every child’s week and a basic requirement in schools.
With a degree in Kinesiology, two Master’s degrees - Globalization and Educational Change (M.Ed.) and Sport & Exercise Psychology (M.S.) - and a passport packed with international teaching chapters, Sandra brings a truly world-class perspective to early childhood development, unlocking the critical link between mind and body.
Her career spans over two decades of global impact: creating educational programming for a national youth soccer organization, advising international education boards, and writing innovative curriculum. She even transformed a disused library into a thriving community wellness center in Wales all while continuously partnering with schools to support young people and their families in reaching their goals.
Her extensive background includes hands-on experience coaching any sport young people wanted to play (yes, BOTH footballs). As a dedicated youth sports advocate, Sandra is deeply passionate about using early physical literacy to lay the groundwork for strong, confident, and resilient young people.
Through PEP (Physical Education Professionals), Sandra channels this powerful mix of educational theory, sports psychology, and on-the-field experience into specialized movement programs for children aged 3+.
Combining the science of play with structured motor-skill progressions, she ensures Northeast Denver's youngest movers build the exact coordination, physical strength, and brain-body pathways they need to thrive in school and in life.
For Schools
The people in your gymnasium matter…GREATLY!
"How goes your PE Department is how goes your school".
​While grammatically incorrect, Sandra took this school administrator's philosophy to heart.
It became her mantra. ​​​
Physical Educators interact with every student in a school. When their program instills character, fairness, and a desire to move in students, the campus is healthier as a whole. Therefore, educating the whole child must be rooted in an articulated Physical Education Program, delivered by a qualified movement development specialist.
Common Questions
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The amazing facilities of Primal Performance at 4601 Quebec Street C10 Denver, CO 80216 serve as the home of PEP.
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Our group sessions are small (4-8 depending on age) providing for a focus on each child. We also offer one-on-one sessions for Focused Flyers that provide full attention.
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Right here on our website
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Yes, responsible adults must stay in the vicinity in case of emergency. Primal Performance offer group and individual training - what a great time to sneak in your own workout!
