About Playworks Illinois
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 Illinois
Founded in 1996, Playworks expanded to Illinois in 2011. Playworks Illinois serves low-income schools through our year-round, on-site support services. We’re also reaching thousands more students across Illinois 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.
Our Core Values
Meet Our People
November 14, 2022
Aviva Packman ›
Aviva graduated from Bradley University in 2020 with her B.S. in Elementary Education with an ESL endorsement. After working as a general education teacher for the past two years, Aviva…
April 23, 2024
Phasha Spencer ›
Phasha is a transformational leader, strategist, connector and change agent. She joined Playworks as the Executive Director of the Illinois region. What she loves most about Playworks is the commitment…
June 3, 2024
Charmee Jones ›
Charmee was born and grew up on the naval base in Bethesda, Maryland. Her family came to Chicago when she was 13. Growing up, Charmee always knew that working youth…