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

Read the Playworks Equity Statement

Our Core Values

core values graphic

Meet Our People


November 30, 2022

Shelby Obert ›

Shelby joined the Playworks team in 2019 as an AmeriCorps Coach with a passion for youth development and physical education. As she served for three years as a coach, she…

September 18, 2023

Alixandra Vanbuskirk ›

Alix joined Playworks in 2021 as a Site Coordinator. Prior to joining the Playworks team, she’s worked in child development research, community engagement, and education. She is excited about helping…

headshot of Sofia
headshot of Sofia

July 13, 2023

Sofia Maluf ›

Sofia (she/her) joined the Playworks team as a site coordinator in the winter of 2023. Prior to joining Playworks, Sofia has worked in the field of education and youth development…

Join the Team


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

Open positions