Jill Vialet believes that playing is essential to human development, and addresses significant education reform issues by encouraging greater creativity and problem-solving skills. This approach, she says, creates learning environments where kids feel safer, more engaged and more connected. Jill launched Playworks in 1996 in Berkeley, California. In 2012, Playworks will be bringing play and physical activities to 350 low-income, urban elementary schools in 23 cities, including Albuquerque.

Check out Jill's column for The Creativity Post at PLAYING FOR KEEPS.