Ali Ghozati
AmeriCorps Member
Munroe
Ali is excited to help promote leadership and community in his elementary school by using the Playworks method. As a Coach, he will have the opportunity to try and make a difference in the culture of the school with the help of the current Dean of Culture and Restorative Justice. In the past Ali has babysat his 9 year old niece and seen the need for better leadership and community structures in schools as a result. In the past he has worked in mostly blue-collar industries as a truck driver and various trades. In his free time he enjoys some gaming and spending time at home with his four pets and his partner.
Arielle Swallow
AmeriCorps Member
Knapp
This school year, Arielle is thrilled to assume the role of a Playworks Coach. Her background includes extensive experience working with children in classroom settings; having dedicated the past 8 years to teaching music to students of all ages. Now, she’s eager to return to the rewarding work of working with kids. During her free time, you’ll find Arielle crafting, writing music, and spending quality time with her pets.
Berto Dryden
Site Coordinator
Aurora Highlands, Kenton, Virginia Court & Park Lane
Berto is a Site Coordinator for Playworks Colorado. Originally from New York, Berto grew up and attended college in Georgia. While in school, he came to Colorado during the summers to work at a summer camp called Dream Big Day Camp. He officially moved to colorful Colorado in 2019 working in Aurora Public Schools. Outside of work, Berto coaches basketball, enjoys road trips, and loves live music. Berto is excited to be joining the Playworks team and is ready to get to know everyone in the community!
Brandon Metzger
AmeriCorps Member
Monaco
Bear is a new AmeriCorps Playworks Coach who looks forward to working with students to get them excited about the program. He has volunteered for non-profit organizations in the past, supporting business owners along their entrepreneurial journey. Bear is excited about transitioning from a student of life to a teacher, where he can lead by example and help young minds be the best version of themselves. His hobbies include camping, archery, video games, and shopping.
Brittany Jones
AmeriCorps Member
Ashley
Brittany is excited about her first year with Playworks. She previously worked as a middle school math tutor and Track & Field coach. She plays Women’s Pro Football in the WNFC and is eager to bring her love of sports and wellness to the team. A few of Brittany’s hobbies include, going to gym and reading.
Cinthia Macias
Site Specialist
Mosley & Jewell
Cinthia will be joining Playworks as a Site Specialist, and is excited to build connections with the students that she will be meeting. Cinthia has experience in being a mentor, where she planned game nights and resources for her mentees. Outside of work, Cinthia likes to do activities outdoors with her friends and family.
Davis Leibee
Site Specialist
Yale & Iowa
Davis recently graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor’s degree in General Studies. He moved to Colorado to pursue his passion of helping kids. He is most excited about teaching the kids sports and making a positive impact!
Dominique Hubert
AmeriCorps Member
Central
Dominique Hubert is excited to join the Playworks Team this year. He’s a former Professional Track Athlete, and has spent the last 5 years coaching youth sports. When he’s not working, you can find him in the gym or spending time with family. His favorite meal is Chicken and Waffles!
Grace Howell
Site Specialist
Vista Peak & Boston
Grace is a Site Specialist and is pumped to create an environment where kids can play, grow, and connect with one another. In her free time you can find her rock climbing, losing in fantasy football, or cooking up some yummy food (roommate approved).
Ida Lucchesi
Site Specialist
Harmony Ridge & Vassar
Ida (she/they) is thrilled to be joining the Playworks team! She is new to Colorado, and excited to bring her experience from summer camp and after-school care to this position. She is passionate about helping the next generation build the skills they need to thrive in life. In their free time, Ida likes to dance and rock climb.
Jacob Borer
Site Coordinator
Arkansas, Dalton, Fulton & Clyde Miller
Jake graduated from the University of Denver in 2019 with a degree in History. For 3 years, he worked with the Colorado Avalanche in their Amateur Hockey program. Jake has always loved working to promote active lifestyles and he’s excited to work for Playworks! In his free time, he enjoys cheering for all the Colorado sports teams, as well as exploring the great outdoors.
James Thompson
Program Specialist
Side Creek & Quest
James is excited to work with Playworks and provide new educational resources to schools and students. James has been a non-profit educator since 2015, working at places like the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the Denver Zoo, YouthBiz, and Veggie RX. James’ career passion is to make life easier for teachers, and to create new and innovative ways for students to have access to informal educational services. James is also a Denver Community theatre actor, an improviser, and an avid DnD player and Dungeon Master.
Kalee Bonner
Site Specialist
Jewell & Mosley
Kalee is a Site Specialist within the Aurora School district. With a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Weber State University. She has worked in informal education settings for the past three years, as an outdoor educator in Coastal Oregon and as a Garden educator in Southern California. Kalee’s favorite hobby is building miniatures and baking bread.
Kara D’Alessandro
AmeriCorps Member
Dupont
Kara went to the University of Colorado earning a dual degree in acting – magna cum laude and creative writing with a minor in education. After graduation, she worked as a K-8 special education para before transitioning to teach 8th grade ELA to earn her teaching license. She has always loved reading, writing, and creative play.
Kenny Kriegel
Site Specialist
Laredo & Elkhart
Kenny is a Playworks Coach. He recently graduated from UNI with a degree in Public Health: Wellness and Fitness. He has a passion for mental and physical health. He is excited to see the growth of the kids he works with and positively influence their development.
Kylie Gregg
Program Specialist
Del Mar & Shaffer
Kylie is a 3rd year Program Specialist & on her 4th year working for Playworks Colorado. Originally from Kansas, Kylie earned her bachelor’s degree in strategic communication from Wichita State University in 2020. Throughout her collegiate experience and beyond, she had the opportunity to work/volunteer for several nonprofit organizations, including The Pando Initiative, Envision, Inc., Girl Scouts, and Downtown Wichita. These opportunities sparked her passion for student-focused nonprofit work. Kylie made the move to Colorado in the fall of 2021 to pursue a career in student development. With over 10 years of experience working with students, Kylie has a passion for empowering youth to grow in their leadership skills & to find the joy in play. In her free time, Kylie loves to travel, visit the mountains to ski or go camping, cook or bake new recipes, spend time with friends and family, and attend live music shows.
Leigha Dimock
AmeriCorps Member
Rosehill
Leigha is super excited to be a Playworks Coach for the 2024-2025 school year! Leigha just recently got back from Florida from a previous internship, which sparked her passion for working with children! Leigha loves all things Disney and enjoys playing under the sun.
Leland Maki
AmeriCorps Member
Kemp
Leland is extremely excited to be put in a leadership role in order to lead the next generation of kids. Leland is looking forward to fulfilling his role as a teacher and human.
Leonard Paulasa
Site Specialist
Vaughn & Murphy Creek
Leonard is passionate about providing equal opportunity to play for all youth and is eager to be a Site Specialist for the 2024-2025 school year. Leonard previously worked as a youth soccer coach and volunteer powerlifting coach, and found joy working with children and teens. In his free time, Leonard enjoys climbing and playing video games. Otherwise he’s watching professional football and basketball.
Megan Dorheim
Site Specialist
Clara Brown & Charles Burrell
Megan is excited to join Playworks for her second year as a Site Specialist! Born and raised in Nebraska, Megan recently moved to Colorado from Oklahoma where she received her Masters of Public Health from the University of Oklahoma. As a former collegiate athlete, Megan looks forward to encouraging youth to stay active, while developing strong social skills! When she is not at work, you can find her serving pizza at Piccino’s, spending time with friends, or enjoying the outdoors!
Nate Hesser
Site Specialist
Tollgate & Dartmouth
Nate Hesser is a native of Colorado. He has a little family of 3 with his wife Sarah and 1 year old baby boy Spencer. Nate loves to coach, teach, and grow the minds of the students he works with. He is so happy to be a part of the Playworks team and to show the Playworks way to schools and students in Colorado.
Nick Van Steenhuyse
AmeriCorps Member
Crawford
Nick is excited about joining the Playworks team and getting youth excited about staying active and being a great teammate. Nick has worked as a coach before in water polo/swim and is thrilled to be back in the space, shaping young minds to be leaders and the best versions of themselves. Nick loves spending time in nature, being social, and a good game of pickup basketball.
Scottie Graham
AmeriCorps Member
Alsup
Scottie is excited to join the Playworks team for the first time where he will combine his enthusiasm for sports and his commitment to fostering positive youth development. He looks forward to bringing his years of experience and contributing to making a meaningful impact in the community, promoting teamwork, leadership, and healthy play among students. Scottie also has a deep passion and love for basketball, as a former player, current high school and Denver Nuggets youth development coach. Coaching has allowed him to share his love for the game and help others develop their skills and confidence on and off the court. Scottie is thankful for joining Playworks and looks forward to inspiring the next generation of athletes and leaders.
Zachary McCarthy
Site Specialist
Montview & Ponderosa
This is Zack’s first year working as Site Specialist. He just relocated here from Boston, and he is WICKED excited to get started. He previously worked at City Year Boston as an Impact Manager, and he can’t wait to share his East Coast experience with all of us!