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.

Meet our Service Partners

Learn about our Impact

Read the Playworks Equity Statement

Our Core Values

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Meet Our People


headshot of Tia
headshot of Tia

April 25, 2023

Tia Mathisen ›

Tia Mathisen is the Playworks Pennsylvania Executive Director. A native of Birmingham, Alabama, and mom to three, Tia has lived in Philly for well over a decade, and has planted…

February 25, 2020

Jin Hyuk Ho ›

As the Development Manager of Playworks Pennsylvania, Jin helps facilitate partnerships with individual, foundation and corporate funders to improve the health and well-being of children through the power of play.…

January 30, 2024

Hallie Martenson ›

A certified camp kid and goofball, Hallie is overjoyed to contribute to Playworks’ mission to bring out the best in every kid through the magic of play. Hallie joined Playworks from…

Join the Team


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

Open positions