Yuri Benjamin 
He/him
AmeriCorps Program Coordinator
Julia De Burgos Elementary School
This is Yuri’s first year working alongside AmeriCorps’ Playworks Program as a Program Coordinator serving at Julia de Burgos Elementary School. While attending college, Yuri decided to take a gap year to travel to Nicaragua to intern for a nonprofit called “Salud Para Todos Los Niños” which created a healthcare system/network for rural citizens in Chacraseca with no access to any form of medical attention. After working in Central America for a year, he went back to Temple University to complete his undergraduate degree in Neuroscience. Post-college, Yuri served as a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT) working with kids diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Finally, after serving as an RBT, he found his true calling in providing Playworks’ services right here in the Philadelphia School District. Yuri’s values align directly with Playworks’ mission by advocating for inclusivity, community building, and allowing students to find their outlet through play. He joined with the goal of creating a safe space for students to have while simultaneously providing them with the empowerment they deserve.
Yuri is currently attending Grand Canyon University (online) for his Master’s in Special Education – Moderate to Severe Disabilities and hopes to work as a Special Education teacher by his graduation date in late 2023. In his free time, you can find Yuri producing music, binge-watching TV series, and finally: learning how to cook! Most weekends you will find him out in nature with friends going camping, hiking, and backpacking. Yuri prides himself in knowing that no one can beat him in any form of a pizza-eating competition.
Arshay Riddick
She/her
AmeriCorps Program Coordinator
Gilbert Spruance School
Justice Horne 
She/her
AmeriCorps Program Coordinator
Morton McMichael School
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Justice Horne is known for her amazing leadership qualities, captivating personality, many talents, and her quick-witted intellect. Academically, Justice has performed extraordinarily. She is a product of KIPP Philadelphia Charter School, where she broke a record of earning Student of the Year twice and many other awards. Additionally, she graduated with a 3.94 GPA from the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts in 2017 as a Dance major. From sketching to sewing clothes, Justice fills her free time with the many talents and gifts she has. Yet, her favorite has always been dance. Justice has been a professionally trained dancer since the age of 3, and has definitely considered dancing as one of her passions. Through her success with dance, she has been able to give back to her community in tremendous ways, especially to the children in her community. One of her absolute favorite ways to give back is teaching the basics and fundamentals of dance to children under 18. Currently she is a Dance Instructor at Eleone Dance Unlimited and has taught many genres of dance at PhilaDanco.
Justice has always been in touch and passionate about her community and is always figuring out ways to improve the lives of those in her community. One of her biggest goals is to commence an Afrocentric School with a complete Afrocentric curriculum for the Black youth of Philadelphia. Currently, she is known as “Coach Justice” at Morton McMichael School. She appreciates her role as a Program Coordinator for Playworks and really looks forward to learning from the experience to get closer to her goals. Justice Horne is a smart worker and a strong believer in herself. The Virgo Queen lives by the motto, “If the people I’m inspired by bleed like I bleed, I can do it too.”
Isaiah Lopez 
He/him
AmeriCorps Program Coordinator
Gloria Casarez Elementary School
Growing up in the Frankford neighborhood, I’ve seen and heard a lot of things kids shouldn’t be exposed to. These experiences are a part of the reason I am driven to help children in my community and why I believe that every kid deserves the chance to just be a kid. I want to show kids that a Hispanic male from a bad neighborhood can make an impact on this world besides being an athlete or a rapper. I’m truly a believer that no matter the circumstances, as long as you have one person that truly believes in you that you can reach exponential heights and achieve even greater feats. I want to be that role model and that’s what pushes me to keep going. I’m a big kid at heart, so the opportunity to be able to do impactful work through play is something I never imagined. Play is more than just playing for me, and I believe my sense of adventure and my genuine curiosity will add to my experience with the kids at my school. My ultimate goals are to make my family proud and have children of my own and be the superhero that they look up to.
I am determined to keep building on what Playworks has already accomplished and create more positive experiences and opportunities for kids like me.I am forever grateful that they gave a kid from the city a chance. Life is what you make it and I intend to not only make it better for myself but better for the generations to come. The future is bright and even if it gets dim I’ll be there to change the lightbulb.
Tamir Nubia
He/him
AmeriCorps Program Coordinator
George W Nebinger School
I’m originally from New York. I’m a product of inner city schools, which means I have first-hand experience with underserved schools and educators trying their best despite a lack of resources. The instructors and coaches I had that were committed to preserving my well-being saved me, most often from myself. They challenged me to invest in my own vision, and to learn how to be my own advocate. The push to speak up for myself taught me about the importance of my voice, which was incredibly crucial for me as a Black feminine child. It gave me the courage to learn the words that defined my presence, my purposes, my passions and my boundaries.
I believe in children feeling confident and free as learners. In my experience, a lot of our institutions don’t facilitate that, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of an organization that’s mission is to bring out the best in every child. I am excited to use my role as an AmeriCorps Program Coordinator to encourage it! Through my work in various school staff roles, I’ve learned that I was lucky to encounter the community I was raised in. The world children exist in is often made up of various levels of adult commitment. I make it my priority to be the adult children can rely on, to be someone who empowers them yet still a person they know they can trust to guide them. If I leave any one student with new words to advocate for themselves -their learning styles, their identities, their boundaries, and had fun-, I’ve succeeded.
Jaylen Wheeler
He/him
AmeriCorps Program Coordinator
Samuel W. Pennypacker School
Recess has had a significant impact on my life. It all started in grade school in a small town located in Warrensville Hts, Ohio. I was often bullied on the playground due to my weight, and never felt confident joining games because I have a tendency to be clumsy. The larger/older boys saw me as an easy target, maybe because they were having problems at home, were bullied themselves, or were projecting their frustrations on me. No matter how I felt, I always tried to keep my head held high and find the positive. One day as I was uncomfortably playing baseball with my classmates, I held my glove above my head to avoid getting hit with the ball, and caught the game winning out. From that moment on, I realized my strengths and my ability to create and seize opportunities.
Memories and experiences like this, is what led me to Playworks. As someone who loves playing sports, learning, and most importantly helping others realize their strengths, I am excited to join the Playworks PA team and the Pennypacker community. My hobbies are music, drawing, painting, working out, cooking/baking, and traveling.
Diamond Vincent
She/her
AmeriCorps Program Coordinator
Mariana Bracetti Academy Charter School
I believe in integrity, respect and honesty, and using these values to serve as a positive role model for children. After college, I began working as a school paraprofessional and supporting children with different abilities and quickly realized my passion for helping kids of all backgrounds learn and grow.
One of the greatest challenges I faced growing up was that I felt like being myself wasn’t enough. Even as an adult we sometimes forget who we are to please the crowd. My grandmother would always remind me of how important it is to never forget where you come from and that we are all unique. Learning to value my true self is what motivates me to be an advocate for the kids, giving them a place to be free, be themselves, and play! I want kids to feel welcomed and a sense of belonging. I am proud to have been able to work with many children from different backgrounds and build relationships teaching them how to approach different life situations appropriately and in the most positive way. I am excited to join Playworks as an AmeriCorps Program Coordinator to help my school community by teaching valuable life skills and encouraging children to be their authentic selves through the power of play.
