About Playworks Illinois

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.

Contact Us

Meet Playworks Illinois


Founded in 1996, Playworks expanded to Illinois in 2011. Playworks Illinois serves low-income schools through our year-round, on-site support services. We’re also reaching thousands more students across Illinois through professional development workshops for schools and youth organizations.

Meet our Service Partners

Learn about our Impact

Read the Playworks Equity Statement

Our Core Values

core values graphic

Meet Our People


June 12, 2023

Gabi Mehta ›

Born in the Bay Area and raised in Chicago, Gabriella has spent over 10 years working with youth in varying capacities. Before coming to Playworks she spent time working outside…

August 29, 2023

Abigail Sieman ›

Abbey joined the Playworks Indiana team in September of 2021 after graduating from Indiana University with a degree in Political Science and International Studies. It was at IU she found…

headshot
headshot

February 1, 2024

Jess Vann ›

Jess joined the Playworks Universe (for you comic book fans!) October of 2023 as the Regional Partnership Director for Indiana and Illinois. She comes with over 18 years’ experience in…

Join the Team


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

Open positions