About Playworks Northern California

All kids deserve the social, emotional, and physical benefits of play. We help schools and youth programs create healthy play environments where every child can join in.

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Meet Playworks Northern California

Founded in 1996, Playworks expanded to Northern California in 2012. Playworks Northern California serves low-income schools across the San Francisco Bay Area through our year-round, on-site support services. We’re also reaching thousands more students across Northern California through professional development workshops for schools and youth organizations.

Learn about our Impact

Our Mission


Playworks’ mission is to improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.

Our Vision


Playworks’ vision is that one day every child in America will have access to safe, fun, healthy play every day.

Meet Our People


December 2, 2022

Laura Medina Quintanar ›

A NorCal region local, Laura was raised in San Francisco’s Mission District. She proudly attended City College of San Francisco before earning her BA in Political Science from UC Berkeley…

Tommy Courtney
Tommy Courtney

May 8, 2018

Tommy Courtney ›

Tommy started with Playworks in 2019 as a Program Coordinator, bringing with him a passion for supporting the growth of healthy communities. With several years’ experience working in athletics and play around…

headshot of shay
headshot of shay

October 23, 2025

Shay Haddow ›

Shay is excited to join Playworks as a Pro Trainer bringing her experience in youth development and sports education to the team. Before joining Playworks, she served as the Youth…

Join the Team


We’re hiring! Join us on the playground or behind the scenes.

Open positions