About Playworks Pacific Northwest
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 Pacific Northwest
Founded in 1996, Playworks expanded to Pacific Northwest in 2009. Playworks Pacific Northwest serves low-income schools across the Portland metro area through our year-round, on-site support services. We’re also reaching thousands more students across Pacific Northwest 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
November 28, 2022
Casey Gackle ›
From Tacoma, Washington, Casey began his journey with Playworks in November of 2022 as a Program Specialist in the Pacific Northwest Seattle area. Casey has his B.A. in Business Administration…
July 25, 2025
Marie DeShetler ›
Meet Marie, a Bay Area native and proud UC Santa Cruz alumna with a B.A. in Sociology and Feminist Studies. She joined Playworks in 2021 as a Program Specialist, bringing…
July 25, 2025
Tami Daoud ›
Tami joined Playworks in 2012 as a program coordinator for two years at Brookwood Elementary School in Hillsboro, OR. That lit the fire in her to continue her journey with…