About Playworks Wisconsin

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.

Contact Us

Meet Playworks Wisconsin


Founded in 1996, Playworks expanded to Wisconsin in 2012. Playworks Wisconsin serves low-income schools across the Greater Milwaukee metro area and southern Wisconsin through our year-round, on-site support services. We’re also reaching thousands more students across Wisconsin through professional development workshops for schools and youth organizations.

Meet our Service Partners

Learn about our Impact

Read the Playworks Equity Statement

Our Core Values

core values graphic

Meet Our People


September 22, 2017

Jena Barjenbruch ›

As Program Manager, Jena leads and empowers educators at multiple schools throughout four school districts to independently provide safe and healthy play for their students and ultimately transform overall school…

June 3, 2022

Maggie Shanahan ›

Maggie has been with Playworks Wisconsin for seven years. She started as an Americorps Coach, moved on to Site Coordinator, and is currently a Program Specialist. Maggie is responsible for…

headshot of Faith
headshot of Faith

October 26, 2023

Faith Rae ›

Coach Faith, is a former dance instructor and coach who is so excited to join the Playworks team as a Site Coordinator. Faith graduated from the University of Wisconsin –…

Join the Team


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

Open positions