Playworks Michigan benefits enormously from the time and expertise of our local Board members. These champions generously offer advice and guidance to staff, identify resources to support the program, and help guide ongoing growth in the region.
Kelly Markosky, Board Chair
Kelly Markosky is a seasoned CPA working in PwC’s Trust Solutions Assurance practice, a role she has excelled in since 2005. She holds both an MS in Accounting and a BS in Finance from Michigan State University. Beyond her professional duties, Kelly actively contributes to the Playworks Advisory Board, applying her extensive leadership and project management experience. Additionally, she serves on the External Advisory Board for the Department of Accounting and Information Systems at Michigan State University’s Broad College of Business.
Why is play important:
“From early years instructing children in swim classes in the community pool and dance classes in the local dance studio, I always appreciated the importance of socialization outside of the school classroom. As a mother of a five-year-old during Covid, the importance of daily outdoor play with other kids became even clearer.”
Vickie Sullen-Winn, Board Co-Chair
Vickie Sullen-Winn is a communications executive, currently leading the City of Farmington Hills Department of Communications and Community Engagement. She is a graduate of Howard University in Washington, D.C. with a bachelor’s degree in communications.
Throughout her career Vickie’s work has included advocacy work on behalf of children. At Children’s Hospital of Michigan, she worked as marketing communications manager to elevate the role of pediatric experts offering specialized care and spearhead activities to put smiles on the faces of in-patients organizing visits from celebrities and professional athletes. At United Way for Southeastern Michigan as director of communications, her communications efforts supported record setting community giving which supported metro-Detroit children and their families with access to the support they needed to thrive. As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc., she is involved with work year-round supporting a variety of causes on behalf of children and their families.
Why is play important:
“I appreciate the work of Playworks in centering the important role of ‘play’ in a child’s life while supporting their learning and physical health. In today’s face-paced environment where technology can often rob a child of their imagination and the explorer spirit, Playworks serves as a lifeline to many parents in providing a space where kids have opportunity to just be kids.”
Lester A. Booker, Jr.
Lester A. Booker, Jr. serves as the first vice president and head of DE&I Communications at Citizens Financial Group. In this role, he is responsible for crafting and implementing comprehensive communication strategies to support the bank’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, advising senior executives, and driving key organizational goals.
A proud Central Michigan University (CMU) alumnus, Booker stays actively involved with his alma mater as a board member of the Alumni Association and as part of the Chippewa Athletics Hall of Fame Selection Committee. He is also engaged with the Detroit Advisory Task Force and the Black Alumni Chapter. Beyond his university ties, he serves on several boards, including the National Newspaper Publishers Association Fund, MACC Development Corporation, and Playworks Michigan, as well as the Legal Services Corporation’s Emerging Leaders Council.
His contributions to the field of DE&I have earned him notable recognitions, including being named one of Crain’s Detroit Business’s Notable Leaders in DE&I for 2023, a Michigan Chronicle Men of Excellence in 2022, a News/Talk 760 WJR and Detroit Economic Club’s Rising Star in 2021, and a Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 honoree in 2018.
Why is play important:
“I believe that children are the future, and I’m honored to play a role in expanding access and opportunity for the next generation. We are blessed to be a blessing, and serving on this board allows me the unique opportunity to help influence and propel forward the organization’s mission and impact on children and families across the State of Michigan.”
Ryan Combs
Ryan Combs is the Regional Broker Manager at Zing Health, where he plays a pivotal role in connecting with partner agents to enhance sales and marketing efforts. His dedication to serving the senior population and addressing social determinants of health is a driving force in his career. Ryan’s commitment extends beyond his professional role; he values the impact of PLAY in fostering future success and community engagement. This passion for PLAY and its importance in the development of the next generation led him to Playworks, where he was introduced at a Get in the Game event.
Why is play important:
“Play was and is a huge contributor to my development. When I was introduced to Playworks, the mission and vision resonated with me and inspired me to get involved in making sure all children have the same access to safe, fun, healthy play every day.”
Dee Dee Crockett
Dee Dee Crockett has had a diverse and extensive career spanning various industries and roles. She began with a decade at Ford Motor Company, gaining experience in customer service and worldwide export divisions. Transitioning to the pharmaceutical industry, she currently engages with medical professionals in offices and hospitals as a Senior Executive Institutional Account Specialist at AstraZeneca.
In addition to her corporate roles, Dee Dee has been deeply involved in non-profit organizations, contributing significantly to several Neighborhood Block Clubs, including Trinity Block Club and Northwestern Evergreen Lahser Community Organization. She has also supported Serendipity Collage and Potpourri, focused on providing school backpacks, and the North Farmington Football Booster Club. Her roles in these organizations included serving as a financial officer, showcasing her commitment to organizational management and fiscal responsibility.
How has play impacted my life:
“My personal history reflects a lifelong dedication to sports, from active participation throughout my upbringing to funding my college education through collegiate athletics. Currently, I stay active by competing in competitive 3 on 3 women’s basketball and have a deep commitment to community service, education, and the well-being of children through sports and play.”
Ben Fidelman
Ben Fidelman is a rising star in the sports and entertainment sector, serving as the Director of Communications and Broadcasting for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. In this role, he manages the external communications and public relations strategies for two of Detroit’s iconic brands: the Detroit Tigers and the Red Wings.
Ben’s journey began during his time at the University of Michigan, where he earned a B.A. in Sport Management in 2017. His early career was marked by valuable internships at MLB’s Office of the Commissioner and MLB Advanced Media, setting the stage for his impactful work in the industry.
His professional motivation centers on fostering community spirit through shared experiences and celebrations, symbolized by the Olde English D and the Winged Wheel.
Why play is important:
“Whether it’s in Major League stadiums or local schoolyards, play is the most unifying thing we can do. Spreading the physical and emotional benefits of structured play to all kids is well worth our time and effort – and something I’m excited to help guide!”
Sara Gold
Sara Gold brings extensive nonprofit and government experience to the Playworks Michigan advisory board. She currently serves as the Strategic Partnership and Initiatives Officer for Oakland County where she works to strengthen the County’s cross-sector partnerships. Sara formerly led the Health and Basic Needs department for the United Way for Southeastern Michigan and was a federal employee with the U.S.D.A. Food and Nutrition Service.
How play has impacted my life:
“I have rediscovered play through my children. They love to play games that help them to be creative and courageous and they love it when I’m truly present with them and engaged in play. I know that I learned to collaborate, try my best, and be joyfully present in play as a child and I love seeing my kids developing the same skills. All children have the right to learn and develop through play!”
Reed Harris II
Reed Harris II is the North America DEI Lead for Kenvue, the Consumer Health spin-off of Johnson & Johnson. As a dynamic business leader with a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Reed has demonstrated exceptional allyship and success in advancing DEI initiatives both at Kenvue and within his local communities.
Reed co-led Care with Pride, an award-winning initiative that champions LGBTQ+ equality and inclusivity across 12 brands. Under his leadership, this initiative expanded to include 15 major retailers such as Target, Amazon, and Kroger, and raised over $1.5 million for LGBTQIA+ nonprofits like Family Equality. Additionally, Reed is a 12-year ambassador for Movember, where he has driven efforts to raise awareness about racial health disparities and funding for men’s mental health, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. His notable achievements include summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2022, raising over $200,000 for men’s health in the process.
Reed has also contributed to various boards, including the Los Angeles Better Educated Students for Tomorrow, the United Way of Greater Los Angeles, the Los Angeles World Affairs Council, the University of Michigan Alumni Association of Los Angeles, and the Finnish Council of America. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan.
Why play is important:
“As a result of my prior experience working with at-risk youth in the Los Angeles Unified School District, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing the power of play first-hand. I’ve seen how it helps in building curiosity, skills, and confidence as well as promoting inclusion between children of all abilities and backgrounds. I’m excited to join the Michigan Playworks Advisory Board and contribute to its development, expansion and impact in my home state and city.”
Alexandria (Alex) Haynes
Alexandria (Alex) Haynes is a native Detroiter and currently serves as the Director of Corporate Engagement & Cultivation at United Way for Southeastern Michigan. She works to fuel strategic volunteer engagement with the region’s leading corporate partners and donors. Alex has the pleasure of connecting United Ways corporate partners social responsibility with the organization’s community impact initiatives. Turning altruistic intentions into impactful solutions to true community needs.
Alex is a graduate of the University of Michigan-Dearborn College of Arts, Science and Letters with a degree in Political Science and Sociology, with a focus in social work. She served as an AmeriCorps member with United Way which led to being hired and she’s since been with the organization for over 13 years.
Why is play important:
“Play has always been an important part of my life! It also fueled a lot of my social and leadership development throughout all stages of my life, from Rosedale Park youth soccer league to adult co-ed soccer with a community focus.”
Ashley Jones
Ashley Jones‘ career showcases a blend of sports and engineering expertise, reflecting her versatility and commitment both on and off the court. From engineering at Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America to playing professional basketball in multiple countries, she clearly has a talent for excelling in different arenas. Her time as a captain of the University of Michigan’s women’s basketball team and her current role coaching a women’s senior travel team show her leadership and passion for the sport. Balancing engineering, sports, and coaching keeps her incredibly busy, but she handles it all with enthusiasm and skill.
How has play impacted my life:
“Balancing the demands of being a student-athlete and later a professional player requires immense discipline, a strong work ethic as well as valuable life skills such as time management, resilience, and the ability to handle pressure. These skills are crucial for success in work and in life and I would love to share my passion and motivation for play with kids.”
Katy Levinson
Katy’s work is grounded in a neurodivergent-affirming perspective, recognizing and valuing the distinct ways that neurodiversity shapes people’s experiences. Through her practice, training sessions, and consultations, she strives to elevate neurodivergent and developmentally disabled voices, fostering a community that not only acknowledges and accommodates differences but also celebrates the unique contributions these individuals bring.
Why play is important:
Jasmin Lopez
Jasmin Lopez is currently an MBA candidate at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, focusing on Marketing and Strategy. She holds a B.A. from Dickinson College where she double majored in International Business & Management and Italian Studies. Before pursuing her MBA full time, she spent five years at Ethicon, a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary, where she developed strong skills in sales, talent acquisition, and account management. In addition to her professional background, Jasmin has been involved in nonprofit work, advocating for equitable access to resources for underserved communities, particularly children and marginalized individuals. Her connection to Playworks is deeply personal as she is a first-generation student and understands the importance of a healthy and safe school environment. She is passionate about making a positive impact in both her professional and personal endeavors.
Why play is important:
Play has always been incredibly important to me. It was through play that I was able to foster my creativity and form friendships outside the pressures of the classroom, where I often felt the need to focus solely on excelling. Play gave me the freedom to explore new activities, like games and sports, and to meet new people. It also played a vital role in my emotional development, teaching me empathy and the value of teamwork. I believe every child deserves the opportunity to explore the world through play.
Angela T. Moore
With years of experience in the mental and physical health industry, Integrative Health Expert Angela T. Moore has helped countless individuals strengthen their minds and bodies through an integrative health approach, using proven therapeutic interventions, effective exercise methods, and healthy lifestyle strategies. She holds a master’s in counseling from Oakland University and a master’s in business management from Walsh College, as well as a bachelor’s in sociology from University of Virginia. She is a NASM Master Trainer with specializations in Corrective Exercise, Performance Enhancement, Fitness Nutrition, and Group Personal Training. She is also a wellness blog contributor to A Healthier Michigan. Angela is the founder and CEO of The Body Principle which provides Integrative health presentations, workshops, mental health counseling and integrative health coaching to organizations and school systems. Angela is also the founder and CEO of Empowered By Angela, which strives to provide education, information, and resources to empower individuals to achieve mental and physical health and overall wellbeing.
How play has impacted Mmy life:
“Play has impacted my life so significantly that I try to empower others to implement play and physical activity into their daily lives. Play promotes the social, emotional, and physical wellbeing of children. The same benefits can be experienced by anyone at any age. I believe that we should all create time and space to play each and every day and I am committed to creating play experiences for everyone”
Mike Schulte
Mike Schulte’s career spans nearly 35 years in education, encompassing roles such as teacher, coach, mentor, school administrator, and athletic director across all K-12 levels. With both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Michigan, Mike has built a rich and varied career in schools.
In his recent transition to retirement, or as he puts it, being “rewired,” Mike has shifted his focus to coaching and mentoring with organizations like Opportunity Thrive, Ribbit Learning, MEMSPA, and Teachers of Tomorrow, among others. His new role allows him to guide and support the development of emerging educators.
Mike’s extensive involvement in sports, both as a player and a coach, has instilled in him a deep appreciation for the life lessons that come from being active. He values the skills and insights gained through sports and brings that perspective to his work with new educators.
Why play is important:
“As an educator, I recognize how learning and physical activity work together. I am passionate about making learning fun, and one of the best ways I know to do that is to bring movement and play into schools. I have seen the impact of respectful and inclusive play at schools, and truly believe that play works!”
Diana Yin
Diana Yin is a second-year MBA candidate at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan. She also holds a Master’s in Education from Harvard University, where she developed a passion for education, human development, and behavior motivation. Following this, she transitioned into the tech sector as an AI product manager, working with several tech companies in Abu Dhabi and China.
Diana is passionate about fostering individual and organizational growth and brings experience in leading successful strategy projects. Notably, she led a team that won a case competition for the Plymouth Historical Museum, securing $1,000 in funding for the Museum. As an advocate for the impact of nonprofits, Diana deeply values the role these organizations play in supporting social responsibility and community well-being. In her free time, Diana enjoys expressing her creativity through watercolor painting.
Why play is important: