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.

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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.

Meet our Service Partners

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 photo
Headshot photo

September 22, 2017

Luciano Mondolo ›

Luciano is in his tenth year with Playworks currently serving as the Associate Director of Southern California, Program spearheading school partnerships and program quality in Southern California. He previously served…

August 24, 2021

Nathaniel Manzano ›

Nathaniel “Coach Nate” Manzano began his career with Playworks as an AmeriCorps Program Coordinator in August 2015. He served his first two years at Lincoln Elementary in Santa Ana Unified…

Coach Kait
Coach Kait

August 27, 2021

Kaitlyn Gentling ›

Kaitlyn “Coach Kait” first joined Playworks in 2018 as an AmeriCorps Program Coordinator, serving Monte Vista Elementary in her first year and Heninger Elementary in her second year. After serving…

Join the Team


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

Open positions