Our Story

Otto is home to unique, evidence-backed children's enrichment experiences where families bond while kids have fun and grow. In the trenches of early motherhood, founders Ellen Ma and Stacy Shuchkina were disheartened by the dismal play options available for young kids and the lack of community for families.

Playgrounds, often outdated and overstimulating, couldn't be the only option for exploration, and mismatched playdates that prioritized fun over growth left much to be desired. Even more, they found it difficult to find activities for kids that were developmentally beneficial while remaining a comfortable experience for modern parents. After one pivotal coffee date, the ethos of Otto was born.

Ellen's background as an investor shaped her views on motherhood, leading her to realize the biggest investment she can make is in her child. Meanwhile, Stacy's experience as a UX designer fostered her interest in developing innovative ways children can learn and connect. Together, they were thoughtful in designing every Otto class to help kids build cognitive, social, emotional, and motor skills.

We warmly invite you to join us. Let's build together, one sense at a time.