Playworks Executive and Leadership Team

Sassan Tarahomi, the Chief Executive Officer at Playworks, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. By aligning internal resources with the core mission of fostering youth development, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that every program effectively promotes physical activity and social-emotional learning. Tarahomi manages high-level partnerships with school districts across the United States to expand the reach of play-based curriculum. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to secure long-term sustainability and operational excellence. Through the implementation of scalable growth models, Sassan Tarahomi drives the expansion of play programs into diverse educational settings. The Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on maximizing the impact of non-profit resources to benefit children nationwide. By prioritizing innovation in educational play, Tarahomi secures the future of the organization as a leader in the charitable sector.

Satoshi Steimetz, the Chief Financial Officer at Playworks, oversees the fiscal health and long-term financial planning of the organization. By managing complex budgets and allocating resources toward critical youth programs, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the stability of the non-profit model. Steimetz directs all financial reporting, audit processes, and grant management activities to maintain transparency and compliance. This leadership role requires constant coordination with the executive team to align spending with strategic growth objectives. Satoshi Steimetz monitors economic trends to optimize funding streams and support the expansion of play-based initiatives across North American markets. By implementing rigorous financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer protects the assets of the organization. Through disciplined fiscal management, Steimetz enables the continued delivery of high-quality services that empower children to learn and grow in safe, structured environments.

Michelle Serrano, the President at Playworks, executes the daily operational functions and program delivery across the organization. By overseeing the implementation of play-based curriculum in schools, the President ensures that every initiative meets the high standards required for effective youth development. Serrano manages the regional teams responsible for training staff and maintaining the quality of play environments. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Chief Executive Officer to translate strategic goals into actionable operational plans. Michelle Serrano drives the continuous improvement of internal processes to increase efficiency and program reach. By fostering a culture of excellence, the President supports the professional growth of the entire staff. Through the oversight of national operations, Serrano ensures that the organization consistently delivers on the promise of creating safe, inclusive spaces for children to learn and grow.

Mitchell Kershner, the Founder & Chief Marketing Officer at Playworks, architects the brand identity and public engagement strategies for the organization. By crafting compelling narratives around the importance of play in education, the Chief Marketing Officer drives awareness and donor support for the mission. Kershner manages all external communications, digital outreach, and advocacy campaigns to elevate the profile of the organization within the charitable sector. This leadership role involves building strong relationships with stakeholders and community partners to amplify the impact of play-based programs. Mitchell Kershner directs the development of marketing collateral that highlights the success of youth development initiatives. By analyzing market engagement data, the Chief Marketing Officer optimizes outreach efforts to reach broader audiences. Through strategic brand positioning, Kershner ensures that the organization remains a recognized authority in creating environments where children thrive.