Playworks AmeriCorps Coaches make a positive impact every day at 6 Coach schools across Los Angeles every day, impacting more than 3,000 kids this school year. Coaches transform schools, engage communities, and inspire youth leaders. Through service, Playworks AmeriCorps members create a place for every kid on the playground to feel included, be active, and build valuable social and emotional skills by organizing games during and after school. Without these Coaches, we would not be able to impact these schools’ communities every day. Playworks AmeriCorps Coaches are making a bigger impact now more than ever, as kids adapt to a new school climate during a time of such impacting change.
David Madera, Coach David
Call me Coach Madera, or Coach Wood if you prefer English! This is my third year as an AmeriCorps Coach at Playworks in Lennox, CA. This is also the town I was raised in my whole life, so serving this community and school is something I love doing day in and day out. Nothing like giving back to home and trying to make it a better place. Before Playworks, I was coaching youth soccer in my community and studying full time at California State University of Northridge, in Kinesiology – Sports Management. I love almost any team sport you can think of, and serving in my community through sports and movement with Playworks and AmeriCorps is a blessing. In my spare time I like to workout and play sports like soccer, basketball, and baseball, and I am still a youth soccer coach as well.
Nayo Pile, Coach Nayo
As an AmeriCorps Coach, my goal is to generate a positive impact on the community through the constructive lessons of empowerment and empathy offered by Playworks. I’m hoping to achieve generational impact by nurturing uplifting role models within this generation who will then influence future generations.
From the very beginning of my Playworks experience, I have come to sincerely believe in the power of play. I have seen firsthand how it can break down barriers of insecurities and frustrations, by encouraging an atmosphere of excitement and inclusion. It’s a great way to bring personalities of all backgrounds together using something as simple as joining in on a game of fun.
Since working for Playworks, I have discovered so many amazing games. If I had to choose my favorites, on top of that list would be practically ANYthing that involves TAG! Hula Hoop tag is definitely one I always love to introduce to kiddos of all ages.
If there were one thing I am most excited to see this school year, it would be witnessing the Recess Rockstars and Junior Coaches mature in leadership and self-confidence. Playworks has an amazing leadership program that can be truly transformative in the lives of these young scholars. In my spare time I really enjoy spending time by the beach or in nature. But my absolute favorite thing to do is spend quality time with my family and friends. I’ve even taught them some of my favorite Playworks games and cheers! They love ‘em too!
Cindy Robles, Coach Cin
Cindy, also known as Coach Cin is a first year Americorp Coach. She graduated from Cal state Long Beach with a Bachelor’s degree in marketing and played for the CSULB softball team. Sports have always been a big part of her life, and she enjoys staying active,listening to music, and spending quality time with her 3 year old son. Cindy is excited about joining playworks and looks forward to growing both personally and professionally. She is passionate about making a positive impact, building meaningful relationships, and giving back to the community through the power of play.
Alejandra Santana, Coach Birdy
Hello! My name is Alejandra Santana but I go by Coach Birdy! I graduated from UC Irvine with a Bachelor’s in English and a Minor in Chicano/Latino Studies. This is my third year serving with Playworks as an AmeriCorps Coach and I am so excited to get back onto the playground returning to Magnolia Elementary as this year’s Playworks Coach! My favorite game to play is Swamp Dodgeball and Ro Sham Bo Olympics. I love reading and going to the beach as often as possible.
My goal is to empower kids through safe and healthy play by modeling it both on the playground and in Classroom Gametime Sessions. I look forward to facilitating games at recess and recruiting for the Junior Coach Leadership Program and let these kids build on their own leadership skills.
Jazlenn Williams, Coach Jazz
Hi, my name is Jazlenn Williams but I go by Coach Jazz. This is my first year serving with AmeriCorps as a Playworks coach but I have served with AmeriCorps before. I am passionate about empowering our youth as they are our future. My favorite recess game is foursquare. I love to read and play video games. My goal as a Playworks coach is to promote safe play and having fun.