About Playworks New England

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.

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Meet Playworks New England


Founded in 1996, Playworks expanded to New England in 2006. Playworks New England serves low-income schools across the Boston, Lawrence, Salem, and Somerville area through our year-round, on-site support services. We’re also reaching thousands more students across New England through professional development workshops for schools and youth organizations.

Meet our Service Partners

Learn about our Impact

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.

Meet Our People


December 5, 2022

Traneisha English ›

Traneisha English is a Director of Field Operations and has been with Playworks since 2018. She joined Playworks with ten years of experience in youth development and staff management. Prior…

April 23, 2024

Neetu Agrawal ›

Neetu (pronounced like “knee-2”) currently serves as the Operations Manager, supporting the regions of Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin and New England. She joined Playworks in 2009, supporting AmeriCorps members in…

September 25, 2023

Melissa Pennington ›

Melissa started with Playworks in August 2023. She brings 10 years of experience in the nonprofit field with a focus and passion for youth development. She was inspired to join…

Join the Team


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

Open positions