About Playworks Utah
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 Utah
Founded in 1996, Playworks expanded to Utah in 2011. Playworks Utah serves low-income schools across Salt Lake and Davis Counties through our year-round, on-site support services. We’re also reaching thousands more students across Utah through professional development workshops for schools and youth organizations.
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
July 6, 2023
Desirae Arends ›
Desi began her journey with Playworks in 2014. She worked as a speech therapist in Nebraska with elementary-aged children for three years prior. After learning about the power of play…
January 20, 2023
Jenna Goldman ›
Jenna Goldman (she/her) is the Regional Director of Field Operations, supporting a multi-region HUB including Arizona, Colorado, PacNW and Utah. Jenna joined the Playworks team in 2022 and has spent…
July 25, 2025
Tayzia Casaday ›
Tayzia Joined the Playworks team in 2018. Prior to that, she learned to love working with children in various roles, including traveling all over the country for Project YES!, a…