Meet Playworks Minnesota
Founded in 1996, Playworks expanded to Minnesota in 2010. Playworks Minnesota serves schools across Minnesota through our year-round, on-site support services. We’re also reaching thousands more students across Minnesota through professional development workshops for schools and youth organizations.
Read the Playworks Equity Statement
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
Every child deserves
• to learn how to be a good friend.
• to feel like a hero.
• a voice.
Playworks outcomes speak for themselves. Last year school principals and teacher reported:
Meet Our People
September 22, 2017
Shauna McDonald ›
Shauna McDonald is the Executive Director of Playworks Minnesota. In this role, Shauna is responsible for growing Playworks impact and long term sustainability in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota and South…
February 3, 2023
Iris Krandel ›
Iris Krandel is the Senior Development Manager for Playworks Minnesota. Her time as a Summer camper and counselor fostered her passion for youth development through play. After completing her B.A.…
January 3, 2024
Annika Pohlman ›
Annika grew up in Madison, Wisconsin and was involved in many different sports in her childhood. She has worked as a middle school teacher in Minneapolis Public Schools for the…