Meet Coaches Tra, Reeve, & Sage!

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 Tra is serving his first year as an AmeriCorps member at Glenfair Elementary School in Portland’s Reynolds School District. Learn more about him below:

Hometown
Portland, Oregon

What inspired you to join Playworks?
My overall passion in life is to be a positive and impactful role model in the life of kids. I do what I love and love what I do. My hope is to help kids find that same passion for something they love! 

What is your favorite Playworks core value and why?
Healthy Play – I fully believe that the impact of fun, laughter, or a simple smile is truly SO impactful. When you create a healthy environment for kids to play, you see the positive change in all areas of their life. 

What is your favorite game/sport?
My favorite sport is of course cheerleading. But on the black top, I love a good game of foursquare.

How do you usually relax after a long day?
Listen to music, cook a nice meal, and enjoy a good movie.

What is your guilty pleasure?
Baking – I love to bake and when I’m feeling really stressed out, or the need to be creative, baking is always the perfect activity.

Tell us two fun facts about yourself!
I once traveled to Africa on the Mayors Delegation to our sister city in Mutare, Zimbabwe. We shared stories with youth in an orphanage, played soccer (barefoot) with the students of the elementary school, and listened to their history. One of the most impactful moments of my life! I own a cheerleading gym in West Vancouver called DF Athletics. I work with youth both boys and girls, ages 3-19 on developing a love for their sport!

Coach Reeve is serving his second year as an AmeriCorps member at Sitton Elementary School in Portland. Learn more about him below:

Hometown
Gloucester, Massachusetts

What inspired you to join Playworks?
Making a positive difference in the world through education.

What is your favorite Playworks core value and why?
Inclusion – I believe in the right for every kid to play everyday. 

What is your favorite game/sport?
Dodgeball

How do you usually relax after a long day?
Going for a walk or watching a movie if it’s not nice outside. 

What is your guilty pleasure?
Eating copious amounts of chocolate

Tell us two fun facts about yourself!
I know how to juggle. I like film photography.

Coach Sage is serving her first year as an AmeriCorps member at Rockwood Prep in Portland’s Reynolds School District. Learn more about her below:

Hometown
Atlanta, Georgia

What inspired you to join Playworks?
I love helping children with special needs feel more included and accepted at recess.

What is your favorite Playworks core value and why?
Inclusion because it’s always more fun when EVERYONE plays!

What is your favorite game/sport?
Anything imaginative.

How do you usually relax after a long day?
Drawing and listening to music.

What is your guilty pleasure?
Slurpees! Slushees! Whatever you call it I’m here for the brain freeze.

Tell us two fun facts about yourself!
As a teen I was a professional magician. I have won an Emmy and a Telly.

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