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.
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.
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
March 30, 2026
Will Ullrich ›
Will “The Thrill” began his Playworks adventure in 2026. He moved from Minnesota in 2023 where he worked in Community Education supporting various programs including Pre-K and coordinating for before…
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…
September 9, 2025
Max Fripp ›
Max Fripp is what we refer to as a boomerang Playworker–he “ran home” to Playworks in November 2024 after a ten year hiatus. He served as the founding Executive Director…