Meet Playworks Minnesota
Founded in 1996, Playworks expanded to Minnesota in 2010. Playworks Minnesota serves schools across Minnesota through our year-round, on-site support services. We’re also reaching thousands more students across Minnesota through professional development workshops for schools and youth organizations.
Read the Playworks Equity Statement
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
Every child deserves
• to learn how to be a good friend.
• to feel like a hero.
• a voice.
Playworks outcomes speak for themselves. Last year school principals and teacher reported:
Meet Our People
January 31, 2022
Julian Peota ›
Julian Peota (Coach JP) has a passion for play and youth development that helps youth to become conscientious and inclusive members of the greater community. As a lifelong soccer player…
November 15, 2022
Traneisha English ›
Traneisha English is a Director of Field Operations and has been with Playworks since 2018. She joined Playworks with ten years of experience in youth development and staff management. Prior…
September 22, 2017
Brandon Elsner ›
Brandon Elsner (“Coach Brando” on the playground) is the Program Director for Playworks Minnesota. His passion for play, physical activity and social and emotional wellness comes from his B.S. in…