Gianna Graham 
AmeriCorps Coach
From the dance studio to the playground, Gianna brings energy and heart to everything she does. A Temple University graduate with a background in Mass Communications and Public Relations, she joined Playworks in 2023 and uncovered a calling in youth development. With more than twenty years of dance experience, Gianna uses movement and play to create joyful, expressive spaces where Philadelphia’s children can thrive, grow resilient, and find their voice.
Michael Jackson
AmeriCorps Coach
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Michael Jackson aka Coach MJ has been serving youth in the Philadelphia area for over five years. A University of the Art’s Alumni, MJ’s background in art education and youth development brings a unique perspective to Playworks programming. Dedicated to fostering the best possible experience for our youth when off the playground Coach MJ can often be found warming up in between recesses, work shopping new games and activities and checking in with school staff to ensure any and everything that can be done for our students is taken care of.
Rolando Juarez
AmeriCorps Coach
Rolando Jay, born in Pennsylvania, has a background that includes two years of service with AmeriCorps NCCC, summers spent working at Camp Sequoia, and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Theatre from California University of Pennsylvania. He is deeply passionate about transforming the lives of the youth, finding his most meaningful moments through giving back and making a difference in their personal lives.
In his free time, Rolando enjoys training in both endurance and strength disciplines, connecting with new people to collaborate on creative projects, and spending quality time with friends. His favorite quote is, “What gets neglected in the self shows up in the world as an event.”
Gabriella Marquez
AmeriCorps Coach
Gaby, a New Jersey native in both spirit and heart, is dedicated to enhancing educational experiences and providing support to students from pre-K through college. She earned her bachelor’s degree in history and psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2019 and went on to pursue a master’s degree in general theoretical psychology, graduating in 2020. Since then, Gaby has worked with various community centers, schools, and colleges to address the academic and social-emotional needs of students. She believes that education, emotional intelligence, and community are essential for uplifting students in hopes of helping them be a part of a holistic society. Gaby is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment that helps build student confidence in Philadelphia schools. In her spare time, Coach Gaby enjoys spending time with her family, going to the Renaissance Faire, playing chess, writing, and immersing herself in a good book.
Vincent Velthuizen
AmeriCorps Coach
Vincent, known to his students as Coach V, has lived in several states but spent the most time in Connecticut. While serving in Amercorps NCCC, he found a love of serving communities. After a recent move to Philadelphia, he is eager to dive into the new city to see what kind of impact he can have. After spending several years working with children, Playworks was a natural next step towards having a positive influence on children and the Philadelphia community. In his spare time he likes to play video games and find other ways to get involved with service, such as volunteering at the Morris Animal Refuge.