Playworks AmeriCorps Coaches make a positive impact every day at 9 Coach schools across Los Angeles every day, impacting more than 5,000 kids this school year. Coaches transform schools, engage communities, and inspire youth leaders. Through service, Playworks AmeriCorps members create a place for every kid on the playground to feel included, be active, and build valuable social and emotional skills by organizing games during and after school. Without these Coaches, we would not be able to impact these schools’ communities every day. Playworks AmeriCorps Coaches are making a bigger impact now more than ever, as kids adapt to a new school climate during a time of such impacting change.
Willie Arnold, Coach Willie
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As an AmeriCorps Coach, my ultimate goal is to provide the guidance and support that I always wished for during my student years. Three-line soccer holds a special place in my heart as it is my absolute favorite game. Being present at this school, I am genuinely excited to connect with the diverse personalities that fill its halls. I have come to realize the incredible power of play in my own adult life and firmly believe in its importance and the numerous benefits it brings to students. And let’s not forget about my favorite clap – the iconic Kool-Aid Man clap, it never fails to bring a smile to my face. Together, let’s make the learning journey enjoyable and empowering for all students!
Biance Boatswain
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My name is Bianca Boatswain. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. A few personal highlights about me include having a twin sister, marching in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, and having a wonderful dog named Doja, named after the artist Doja Cat.
Professionally, I have gained extensive experience working with children in various educational settings, including after-school programs, preschools, and elementary schools. These roles have allowed me to develop skills and training that have deepened my passion for fostering children’s growth and learning. In 2021, I joined the United States Navy as a Quartermaster and, following an honorable discharge, relocated to San Diego. There, I worked as an Assistant Community Manager for a homeowner association. However, my passion for education led me to move to Los Angeles, where I am eager to return to the school system.
I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to AmeriCorps and am confident that my role as a Coach will be both fulfilling and impactful. I am committed to striving for excellence and dedication in all my endeavors. AmeriCorps offers a diverse range of roles and opportunities for professional development, and I am eager to advance and grow within the organization, continually enhancing my skills and contributing to its mission.
This school year, I am committed to making a meaningful and lasting impact on the students at Virginia Road Elementary. As Playworks makes its debut at the school, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to its success. I plan to follow the Playworks framework while integrating engaging and innovative strategies to connect with the students. This will include adventurous games, chants, dynamic hand claps, and other interactive activities. Additionally, I am dedicated to incorporating valuable life lessons into our activities, ensuring that students not only enjoy their time but also gain important skills and insights. My goal is to create a memorable and enriching experience that demonstrates the exceptional benefits of Playworks and leaves a lasting, positive impression on both students and staff.
Deandre Garrett
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My name is Deandre, but you can call me Dre or Coach Dre. I’m so excited to be back with the Americorps family and serve as an Americorps Coach this year in the SoCal Community. I am looking forward to making this an amazing and impactful year.
I’ve studied in the field of Human Services and Education for a handful of years and will soon finish my Bachelors degree in Human Services. I’ve worked with youth from the moment I left high school when I participated as assistant coach for a youth football team and have continued to work with youth in capacities such as behavior therapy, after school programs, coding, coaching, teachers assistant and more. Growing up in Southern California I didn’t always have the most positive influences around me so by finding those programs in the community really resonated with me. To be able to pay it forward and to leave a positive legacy for the youth that will come behind us warms my heart and lets me know that our future is in good hands.
A few highlights from me is that I’ve been creating for years starting from poetry, to music, to acting these past few years even getting in a few feature length horror films and learning to DJ currently which I’m really excited about. I’m passionate about creative expression, traveling the world, making a positive impact, spreading joy and loving life, movies, music, good vibes, and seeing the growth for all.
Nayo Pile
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Goals in serving as an AmeriCorps Coach coming soon.
David Madera, Coach David
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My goal is to make a positive impact in the future of my community by guiding kids towards better choices and helping them avoid negative paths. My favorite games are 6 line soccer and medic dodgeball, and I strive to create a well-organized recess and lunch program at my school where all the kids are happy every day. I believe in the power of play because it truly engages children, bringing joy and happiness to their lives. Ensuring that every child has a positive experience during playtime is essential for their overall well-being. And as for my favorite appreciation clap, it’s definitely the Ronaldo “Siiiiu” clap!
Ania Minor, Coach Duo
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My name is Ania “Coach Duo” Minor & I am a returning AC that’s ecstatic to be welcomed back to the Playworks family. My biggest goal is to be the change that I desperately wanted to see in my schools community growing up. I aim to make my students feel safe and comforted, knowing “Coach Duo” has their back through serving my community while guiding these young impressionable minds by teaching them safe and healthy play practices. Some of my favorite games to play and teach the kiddos are foursquare and volleyball. Since my days as a community organizer with my very first job at a nonprofit organization, I have loved working with children. Having such a profound love for this type of service work has even helped me and mothering my three wonderful children and teaching them the Playworks Way as well. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to serve.
Dakota Mitchell
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Goals in serving as an AmeriCorps Coach coming soon.
Nayo Pile, Coach Nayo
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Goal in serving as an AmeriCorps Coach coming soon.
Cecelia Rodriguez, Coach GG
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My name is Cecilia Rodriguez but many know me as Coach GG. I am a 1st generation Mexican American, born and raised near Modesto, Ca. I have a background in Theatre Arts Performance, with an emphasis in Community Engagement, and a minor in Chicano & Latino Studies. In my free time, I enjoy practicing breathwork and meditation, journaling, and spending lots of time exploring in nature. As a third year AmeriCorps member, I am excited to combine my passion for play with social & emotional wellness, to empower and inspire my students to be the best version of themselves.
Alejandra Santana, Coach Birdy
My goal in serving as an AmeriCorps Coach is to help empower children through safe and healthy play. My favorite game is Going Fishing! I am most looking forward to seeing how kids’ confidence evolves as the program progresses especially with Junior Coaches. I think that the power of play allows kids to see their strengths right in front of them on the playground in a way that they can immediately recognize. My favorite appreciation clap is the Batman Clap.