The Play Team
Meet the team of play workers who support play with minimal intervention. They are concerned with creating safe play opportunities that enable children to pursue their own play agenda, while enriching the child's world by providing opportunities for experimentation and exploration.
Naomi Sukenik
Founder & CEO
I am a passionate, tenacious play-advocate with a background in special education and outdoor informal learning using high ropes. I am a mom to three wonderful children who continuously remind me the importance of choice, independence and personal curiosity. I strive to reinforce an enriching childhood and specifically self-directed play. I also love to hike, ride bikes, climb and sleep!
Kim Jarrett
Lead Playworker, Assistant CEO
I am a mother of two children with a background in Waldorf education. I believe that children need ample time to explore the outdoors, play and socialize. I believe that allowing our children to make mistakes and take risks are crucial for their learning and development. An atmosphere that is conducive to learning does not include tables and worksheets but a child's personal interests and motivation.
Tania Martinez
Playworker
I’m Tania! I have been working in the early childhood education field for 9 years and grew up helping to care for my younger siblings. I have a BS in Sociology and a background in working with children with behavioral struggles. I strongly believe in using our environment as a classroom. Children are capable of solving problems on their own when they are allowed to make mistakes without judgement or interference.
Ken Hueyxuey
Playworker
My name is Huexue Ken Yang and I am a playworker in training at Play Adventures. I recently received my BA in Child Development. I love to see how children interact with one another to better understand how friendships and connections are formed. I enjoy supporting children to regulate their emotions. I am intrigued by how they understand, control and express their emotions in difficult situations.
Jayden Garcia
Playworker in Training
My name is Jayden Garcia. I have been a play worker at Play Adventures for half a year now! I currently attend Stanislaus State, and will be receiving my BA in Liberal Studies. My goal is to become a kindergarten teacher! I enjoy interacting with young children , and seeing how each individual child is different and unique in their own way. I enjoy spending my free time outdoors and exploring new things!
Ximena Espitia
Playworker in Training
Hello! My name is Ximena Espitia! I am a graduate from the UC Merced and have a B.A. in Sociology. I'm always looking to further expand my knowledge on our society and its individuals, within every and any aspect possible! We tend to look up to adult figures in our society when we want to learn more about our world, and forget the stories that can be told by the youngest. Children have the capability to do things beyond what society likes to think.
Emily Bello
Playworker in Training
Hello my name is Emily Bello! I am currently enrolled in Stanislaus State and am currently studying for my BA in Liberal Studies. I enjoy working with younger kids and love seeing their new creations and ideas! It makes me happy seeing them play with one another and help each other grow. .