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.

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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.

Learn about our Impact

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


Headshot of Melissa
Headshot of Melissa

December 2, 2022

Melissa A. Marston ›

Melissa’s core value is to champion young people and communities to create sustainable and innovative solutions. She strives to be the biggest cheerleader in what sparks joy and brings people…

headshot of Bridget
headshot of Bridget

December 5, 2022

Bridget Poisel ›

Bridget joined Playworks this year as a Program Specialist to help bring the power of play to students across Philadelphia, and is now a PRO Trainer! After spending the last…

headshot of Joshua
headshot of Joshua

December 5, 2022

Joshua Casares ›

Born in Ecuador and raised in South Jersey, Josh first came to the city of Philadelphia to study at Drexel University. Upon graduating with a bachelors in Mechanical Engineering he…

Join the Team


We’re hiring! Join us on the playground or behind the scenes.

Open positions