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…
September 5, 2023
Santina Sisson ›
Santina joined Playworks in 2023 as a Site Coordinator after graduating from George Fox University in 2021 with a B.A in Psychology. She brings in a ton of experience working…
July 25, 2025
Nahshonia Zerufael ›
Nahshonia was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, and graduated from Linfield University with a B.S. in Elementary Education. She taught first grade and soon discovered her passion for social-emotional…