About Playworks Southern California
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 Southern California
Founded in 1996, Playworks expanded to Southern California in 2009. Playworks Southern California serves low-income schools through our year-round, on-site support services. We’re also reaching thousands more students across Southern California through professional development workshops for schools and youth organizations.
Our Core Values
Meet Our People
August 1, 2022
Kalie Lamb ›
Kalie “Coach Lamb” joined the Playworks team in 2016 as an AmeriCorps Program Coordinator serving her first two years at both Kennedy and Lincoln Elementary in Santa Ana Unified School District. She graduated from California State University Fullerton with a…
December 19, 2022
Yani Gomez ›
Yanira “Yani” Gomez, aka Coach Yani, joins the Playworks team as a Site Specialist, full of passion for education. Before joining Playworks, Yani was a kindergarten teacher, where she enjoyed teaching young minds and being fascinated by how children grasp…
September 11, 2018
Maria Bautista ›
Maria “Coach Mae” first came to Playworks as an AmeriCorp Member, bringing her passion for healthy, inclusive, and meaningful play to students across Los Angeles County. After her years of service, Maria has been dedicated to promote and model our…