About Playworks Colorado

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.

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Meet Playworks Colorado


Founded in 1996, Playworks expanded to Colorado in 2010. Playworks Colorado serves low-income schools across Denver, Aurora, and Mapleton through our year-round, on-site support services. We’re also reaching thousands more students across Colorado through professional development workshops for schools and youth organizations.

Meet our Service Partners

Learn about our Impact

Read the Playworks Equity Statement

Our Core Values

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Meet our People


August 23, 2022

Ellen Jenks

Ellen began working with youth at summer camps and after school programs at the age of 15. A graduate of the University of Vermont, Ellen has always enjoyed exploring the outdoors and being physically active. In 2012, Ellen was hired…

August 8, 2023

Andrea Woolley

Andrea began her nonprofit career in 1999 going door to door raising funds and increasing awareness for the Rape Assistance and Awareness program. Falling in love with the nonprofit sector she realized this was where she wanted to spend her…

July 18, 2019

Shaena Swanson

Shaena received her bachelor’s in exercise science from Augsburg College in 2016. Shortly after graduating, she found a role as a program coordinator for Playworks Minnesota, and discovered a passion for working with youth. After three years of bringing healthy…

Join the Team


We’re hiring! Join us on the playground or behind the scenes.

Open positions