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
February 7, 2020
Murat Emmanuel ›
Murat, or ‘Coach M’, began a site coordinator working at the Chittick Elementary School and McKinley Middle School in Boston. Prior to stepping into his role as a program specialist,…
March 30, 2026
Kieran Collier ›
Kieran (they/them) joined Playworks in 2023 as a Program Manager, overseeing school partnerships in the Greater Boston Area. In the past they’ve bound books, reffed soccer games, and hosted poetry…
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…