About Playworks Pacific Northwest
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.
Meet Playworks Pacific Northwest
Founded in 1996, Playworks expanded to Pacific Northwest in 2009. Playworks Pacific Northwest serves low-income schools across the Portland metro area through our year-round, on-site support services. We’re also reaching thousands more students across Pacific Northwest through professional development workshops for schools and youth organizations.
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
March 12, 2024
Marie DeShetler ›
Meet Marie, a Bay Area native and proud alumna of the University of California, Santa Cruz with a B.A. in Sociology and Feminist Studies. For over a decade, she’s been…
August 26, 2024
Nahshonia Zerufael ›
Nahshonia was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, and graduated from Linfield University with a B.S. in Elementary Education. She taught first grade and soon discovered her passion for social-emotional…
September 5, 2023
Taylor Timms ›
Taylor was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She graduated from Arizona State University with a Criminal Justice Degree. Taylor decided to take a proactive approach to working with youth.…