About Playworks New England

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 New England


Founded in 1996, Playworks expanded to New England in 2006. Playworks New England serves low-income schools across the Boston, Lawrence, Salem, and Somerville area through our year-round, on-site support services. We’re also reaching thousands more students across New England through professional development workshops for schools and youth organizations.

Meet our Service Partners

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


November 13, 2024

Danielle Lennox ›

Danielle (she/her), a Boston native from Dorchester, joins Playworks in 2024 as a Program Manager, bringing her passion for empowering youth and strengthening communities. She has spent the past three…

headshot of Yanelis
headshot of Yanelis

December 17, 2024

Yanelis Torres ›

Yanelis Torres joined Playworks as a Program Specialist in 2024. Originally from Ponce, Puerto Rico, she moved to New England when she was 10 years old. A proud graduate of…

September 18, 2023

Dawn Lavallee ›

Dawn Lavallee first started with Playworks in 2012. She spent two years as a coach at Mather Elementary in Dorchester and two years as the FAO Schwarz Fellow. In this…

Join the Team


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

Open positions