About Playworks Pennsylvania
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 Pennsylvania
Founded in 1996, Playworks expanded to Pennsylvania in 2010. Playworks Pennsylvania serves low-income schools across Philadelphia through our year-round, on-site support services. We’re also reaching thousands more students across Pennsylvania 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.
Our Core Values
Meet Our People
December 5, 2022
Ivy Olesh ›
Ivy Olesh (she/her) is the Vice President for Field Operations, supporting a multi-region HUB including Michigan, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. A strong supporter of public education…
December 5, 2022
Austin Zeller ›
Austin has always felt a connection to the power of play. He first joined the Playworks team in 2017. “Coach Stin” as he goes by on the school yard, began…
December 2, 2022
Peter O’Malley ›
Peter started as a Site Coordinator and is now a PRO Trainer, passionate about education reform in Philadelphia. He studied Ecology and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont and…