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.
Our Core Values
Meet Our People
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September 7, 2018
Dana Harris ›
Dana started here at Playworks New England in 2012 as an AmeriCorps service member. He served six years as a Playworks Coach at the Maurice J. Tobin K-8 School in…
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September 18, 2023
Molly Rosen ›
Molly joined Playworks in 2019 as a site coordinator after working for Scholar Athletes for two years. She worked with high schoolers at Fenway High School on academic coaching, health…
![](https://www.playworks.org/new-england/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/09/IMG_5032-295x295.jpg)
![](https://www.playworks.org/new-england/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/09/IMG_5032-295x295.jpg)
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…