About Playworks Southern California
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 Southern California
Founded in 1996, Playworks expanded to Southern California in 2009. Playworks Southern California serves low-income schools through our year-round, on-site support services. We’re also reaching thousands more students across Southern California through professional development workshops for schools and youth organizations.
Our Core Values
Meet Our People
September 22, 2017
Calvin Hamilton ›
Calvin “Coach Calvin” Hamilton started off as a program coordinator in 2014, serving as an AmeriCorps Coach at Florence Griffith Joyner Elementary in Watts. After his year of service with…
October 13, 2022
Hayley Darien ›
Hayley is beginning her Playworks journey as a Pro Trainer. She brings her background in working as an educator with Norwalk-La Mirada and Los Angeles School Districts. Her work with…
January 6, 2023
Shaquille Ottley ›
Shaquille “Coach Shaq” is a veteran Playworker and rejoins the team as a Site Coordinator. He was born and raised in a cozy little town in South Central Los Angeles.…