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Started by two occupational therapists, PlayWell Brooklyn was sparked from a desire to bring integrated play to our community and families! Born from a passion for inclusivity and wellness, we believe that play is an essential part of a child's development and has many benefits for both children and adults.
Rita is a dedicated pediatric occupational therapist with over 10 years of experience in New York City. She is passionate about helping children overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Rita believes in the power of play-based therapy and intervention, recognizing that children learn best through engaging and enjoyable activities.
Madisun supports operations at PlayWell Brooklyn, helping with team coordination, partnerships, events, and special projects. She graduated with a degree in Neuroscience and brings a background in healthcare operations and people support. Madisun is passionate about creating thoughtful systems, building strong community relationships, and supporting PlayWell’s mission of providing an inclusive and welcoming space where children and families can connect and grow through play.
Gaby Canedo is a Play Coach at PlayWell Brooklyn. She graduated from Muhlenberg College in 2025 with a B.A in Theatre! Originally from Oakland, CA, Gaby was a lifeguard and kids swim instructor for 6 years and is excited to once again work in an environment that encourages confidence and autonomy in kids!
I’m Nyla, born and raised in Brooklyn, and I absolutely love NYC. There’s never a dull moment here! I have a degree in psychology, and I'm super proud to bring that background into my work with kids. Making kiddos laugh, seeing them smile, and spreading joy everywhere I go is my favorite thing to do.
Bernadette Harding is a Play Coach at PlayWell and teaching artist in New York City. She holds a BFA from Ball State University in theatre and a minor in French. She teaches jazz, ballet, and hip hop across the city, helping young artists find confidence and self expression. Bernadette believes in fostering the creative and playful spirit innate to each child and supports PlayWell’s commitment to inclusion and play.
Zoe is a PlayCoach at PlayWell. She graduated from The New School with a Bachelors in Fine Arts and a Bachelors in Culture and Media Studies. Zoe's commitment to creative play aligns with PlayWell's ethos and their inclusive and accessible play spaces that offer multitudes of fun.
Hannah is a Play Coach at PlayWell and plans to become an occupational therapist. After graduating from Barnard College, Hannah has been a playworker at an outdoor afterschool program, taught preschool, coached neurodiverse kids and adults in their executive function skills, developed inclusive, play-based curricula, and more. Hannah loves the creativity, curiosity, and connection that we can access through play and is honored to be part of your PlayWell experience.
Chloe is a receptionist and Play Coach at PlayWell Brooklyn. She's currently an undergraduate at Stony Brook University majoring in Psychology and Health Science. She plans to become an occupational therapist in the future. Chloe's favorite part of the job is seeing children come out of their shells and interact with others while in the play gym! Chloe believes play is something that should be inclusive and proactive in development.
Claire Di Maio is a PlayCoach at Playwell. She holds an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Westminster, and is passionate about bringing an encouraging, imagination-led approach to storytelling and play when connecting with families and children.
Appointments required! Reserve an open-play or class session online.
*Saturday and Sunday afternoon hours may be extended if no private parties are booked. Please check our booking page for availability.
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