About Playworks Minnesota

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 Minnesota


Founded in 1996, Playworks expanded to Minnesota in 2010. Playworks Minnesota serves schools across Minnesota through our year-round, on-site support services. We’re also reaching thousands more students across Minnesota through professional development workshops for schools and youth organizations.

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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.

Every child deserves


• to learn how to be a good friend.

• to feel like a hero.

• a voice.

Playworks outcomes speak for themselves. Last year school principals and teacher reported:


96%more opportunities for inclusion of diverse groups of students.
96%increase in student participation in class activities.
90%decrease in bullying incidents.

Learn more about our Impact

Meet Our People


November 15, 2022

Traneisha English ›

Traneisha English is a Director of Field Operations and has been with Playworks since 2018. She joined Playworks with ten years of experience in youth development and staff management. Prior…

September 22, 2017

Brandon Elsner ›

Brandon Elsner (“Coach Brando” on the playground) is the Associate Director for Playworks Minnesota. His passion for play, physical activity and social and emotional wellness comes from his B.S. in…

March 20, 2024

Tristan Fatula ›

Tristan joined Playworks Minnesota as a Site Coordinator in 2024. He now serves the region as a Program Specialist. He grew up in Tucson, AZ and earned a bachelor’s degree…

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