Los Angeles Staff
The key to our success is the incredible enthusiasm and dedication of the Playworks staff. Meet some of the people who are bringing play to Los Angeles. Please note: Our direct school programs are led by the efforts of our program coordinators in each school in each of the cities we serve. While they are too numerous to list here, they are essential to the success of the program.
Darlene Kiyan
Darlene joined Playworks in January 2011 after spending 11 years with the YMCA of Metro Los Angeles. Before switching to the non-profit world Darlene spent seven years in Japan working for a fitness company. Originally from Canada, Darlene appreciates the SoCal weather so that she can spend more time outside running and going to amusement parks with her family. Working at Playworks has brought back her passion for double dutch and learning new games like four square and switch.
Julia Arteaga
Julia Arteaga comes to Playworks from UC Berkeley. While attending college, she volunteered at a Playworks after school program at Rosa Parks Elementary. Eventually, she moved to Southern Calfornia to work on the School Readiness Nurse Expansion Project as an AmeriCorps VISTA. With Playworks as a Program Associate, Julia is responsible for managing all facets of Playworks' AmeriCorps Program and helping the Program Coordinators at our school sites to successfully complete their term as a member. Julia has always had a passion for giving back to the community and working with children. She is thrilled to be a part of an organzation that helps children develop leadership skills and live healthier lifestyles through play.
Michelle Barron
Michelle worked as a program coordinator for three years at Goss Elementary in San Jose, CA before moving to the Los Angeles office. She loves being part of an organization that focuses on the importance of PLAY in a child's life and the impact it can have both inside the classroom and out. Michelle is looking forward to the continued growth of Playworks and helping to expand the program to reach more kids, and more playgrounds.
Eric Lane
After receiving a Masters degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration Eric worked at the YMCA for three years as a regional director of sports and recreation. Before taking a passion for coaching, Eric played collegiate and professional basketball. "Coach E" remembers the effect recess had on him in elementary school and is very passionate about preserving the power of play. In his free time, he loves to play basketball, dance and spend time with family and friends.
Louis Marquis
Louis began working with youth 15 years ago, working as a summer camp counselor. Before Playworks, he taught as a substitute teacher, worked with youth leadership development programs, served as a college teaching assistant and received an MA in sociology. The passion he brought to understanding and helping others in graduate school has been a great compliment to his current work with under served youth. Last year, “Coach Lou” loved working at Aspire Firestone Academy, and now has the pleasure of supporting the coaches at all of the Aspire-Playworks schools in Los Angeles. When not visiting schools and playing some crazy four square, Louis enjoys reading, hiking, swimming, biking, and really, most things physical and outdoors!
McKenzie Morris
McKenzie "Coach Mac" Morris joined the Playworks family in 2009. After spending two wonderful years at Aspire Titan Academy and Citizens of the World Charter-Hollywood she is now thrilled to support seven amazing coaches as program manager. Upon attaining a degree in Human Development and Family Science, McKenzie served with the Center for Student Missions, helping mobilize youth towards urban volunteerism throughout California. As an advocate for dynamic education, she is passionate about the incredible impact Playworks makes in the culture of each school, both on the playground AND in the classroom! Always equipped with a smile, Mac enjoys exploring LA through dancing, frequenting concerts and going to the beach.
Diane Santana
Diane works with foundations, corporations and individuals in order to raise funds, write grants, and build a network for the Playworks program. She also helps the executive director with board development. In her prior position as a senior program director of membership and healthy lifestyles at two local YMCAs, she was able to become very involved with her community, build many relationships, and fundraise for an annual campaign. She was also involved with her Chamber of Commerce as well as the local Rotary Club. What inspires Diane the most about working for Playworks is going into the schools that we serve and watching the coaches implement the Playworks program and the affect that it has on so many children. She truly believes in Playworks mission and is passionate about raising funds to support it.
