About Playworks New York/New Jersey
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 New York/New Jersey
Founded in 1996, Playworks expanded to New York/New Jersey in 2009. Playworks New York/New Jersey serves low-income schools across the area through our year-round, on-site support services. We’re also reaching thousands more students across New York/New Jersey 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
September 11, 2024
Kevin Spearman ›
Kevin Spearman, born in Atlanta, currently resides in Newark, New Jersey, returns to the Playworks family as the NYNJ Region Site Coordinator. After leaving Playworks, Kevin pursued IT consulting and…
July 16, 2024
Michelle Santiago ›
Michelle Santiago serves as the Program Manager for Playworks in the New York/New Jersey region. Before joining Playworks, she spent seven years in youth leadership development, working extensively with elementary…
April 3, 2019
Daniel Speciale ›
Daniel Speciale joins Playworks as a Regional Pro Trainer in Western New York responsible for delivering Playworks professional development training for youth-facing staff. Most recently he was a human services…