Meet Coaches Hayley, Jordan, & Willa!

  1. Updates

AmeriCorps is a network of local, state, and national service programs that connects over 70,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet community needs in education, the environment, public safety, health, and homeland security. AmeriCorps’ members serve with more than 2,000 non-profits, public agencies, and community organizations.

Simply put, AmeriCorps members are dedicated to strengthening communities. In 2004, Playworks was awarded its first AmeriCorps contract. This year, Playworks Pacific Northwest is proud to have 15 members serving with us at our partner school communities. Get to know our AmeriCorps coaches!

Coach Hayley is serving her second year as an AmeriCorps member at Ogden Elementary School in Vancouver. Learn more about her below:

Hometown
Portland, OR

What inspired you to join Playworks?
I wanted to join a community that focuses on creating positive environments for kiddos regardless of their socioeconomic status.

What is your favorite game/sport?
Foursquare

How do you usually relax after a long day?
Play with my dog, Sammy.

What is your guilty pleasure?
Sushi. So much sushi.

Tell us two fun facts about yourself!
I am a Scottish Highland Dancer and I’ve been to more countries than I have states. 


Coach Jordan
is serving her first year as an AmeriCorps member at Highland Elementary School in the Gresham School District. Learn more about her below:

Hometown
Bremerton, WA

What inspired you to join Playworks?
I enjoy working with kids and would like to be a school counselor someday.

What is your favorite game/sport?
4 Square

How do you usually relax after a long day?
Cooking, reading, and hanging out with friends.

What is your guilty pleasure?
Kombucha

Tell us two fun facts about yourself!
I rode a camel once and I was stung by a lions mane jellyfish swimming in the Puget Sound. 


Coach Willa
is serving her first year as an AmeriCorps member at Woodmere Elementary School! Learn more about her below:

Hometown
Ashland, OR

What inspired you to join Playworks?
Playworks’ work to decrease bullying through the power of play is what inspired me to join the Playworks team.

What is your favorite game/sport?
My favorite recess game is Chewbacca and my favorite sport is ultimate frisbee.

How do you usually relax after a long day?
Read a good book or watch some TV.

What is your guilty pleasure?
Watching reality TV.

Tell us two fun facts about yourself!
I played the cello and french horn when I was a kid. 

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More Updates


March 24, 2025

How Play Fuels Academic Success ›

One of the most impactful ways to support student learning starts with play.  At Playworks, we’ve seen firsthand how the benefits of play extend far beyond recess time. When kids…

February 26, 2025

Under Armour Volunteers in Action at Playworks Corporate Play Day ›

This past fall, around 50 Under Armour volunteers experienced the power of play firsthand during a Corporate Play Day at Rockwood Preparatory Academy and Shaver Elementary. As they jumped into…

February 11, 2025

Resourceful Play with Minimal Equipment ›

Imagine a rainy day when outdoor recess is canceled or a play area with no traditional play equipment in sight. Even in these moments, kids, with the help of adults,…