About Playworks Pennsylvania
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 Pennsylvania
Founded in 1996, Playworks expanded to Pennsylvania in 2010. Playworks Pennsylvania serves low-income schools across Philadelphia through our year-round, on-site support services. We’re also reaching thousands more students across Pennsylvania 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
December 15, 2025
Mira Saxe-Smith ›
Mira joins Playworks as a Program Specialist after eight years working in Philadelphia area schools. Most recently, she taught at The Miquon School, where she developed and led play-based, inquiry-driven,…
December 2, 2022
Peter O’Malley ›
Peter started as a Site Coordinator and is now a PRO Trainer, passionate about education reform in Philadelphia. He studied Ecology and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont and…
December 2, 2022
Sean Speers ›
As the Regional Program Manager, Sean brings years of experience in youth development and play-based programming to my new role with Playworks PA. After graduating from Kutztown University with a…