Our Background
Playocracy is grounded in the understanding that play is a fundamental human behaviour, embedded in our biology and essential to development. Concurrently, democratic societies rely on principles such as inclusion, agency, and social responsibility—capacities that are first cultivated through play. By integrating these concepts, Playocracy recognizes play as a primary context in which people develop the skills needed to engage, collaborate, and participate meaningfully in society.
Our Founder, Lynn Campanella, brings over 30 years experience and expertise through the work of Playocracy, including workshops as well as product and resource creation that support the importance of quality play within communities and at home.
Our Vision
We envision a world where Play is recognized as a
vital component in child development
and community building.
Play is the vehicle through which people make Connections.
When people Connect... they Thrive!
Our Mission
Playocracy partners with schools, community groups, organizations (Boys & Girls Clubs and the Y) and families to strengthen human connection through intentional play, leadership development, and thoughtful environmental design.
Meet the Team
Our Team has the experience and passion to work with your Team!
Joe Miller
After a 40+-year career in healthcare and technology, Joe Miller is currently a consultant for the National Institute for Play (NIFPlay). NIFPlay is a global thought leader in the science of play, curating and interpreting research that reveals how play fundamentally shapes human flourishing. Founded by Dr. Stuart Brown, the Institute has revolutionized our understanding of play as a biological necessity, not a luxury. Joe’s role at NIFPlay involves developing and nourishing key initiatives and partnerships with leaders in play. One of those key relationships is with Lynn Campanella and Playocracy.
Joe has a BS from Cornell University and an MS from MIT.
Maria Marcuzzi
Maria Marcuzzi is an educator, coach and school leader with a passion for the power of play to bring people together.
With 24 years of experience in education and coaching and a degree specializing in Physical Education, Maria has spent her career creating opportunities for people to move, connect, collaborate and have fun.
As a school leader, Maria has expanded her philosophy of play beyond students, using play as a way to build stronger teams, improve workplace culture and create more positive, connected work environments. She believes that play doesn’t have an age limit—and that when people have opportunities to laugh, move, connect and be themselves, everyone benefits.
Playocracy uses intentional play as the catalyst for connection and belonging in our two programs:
For every school and playground.
On your playground: create a sense of belonging, develop young leaders, and re-energize active supervision.
For families, Boys & Girls Clubs, after-school programs,
staff engagement, seniors' groups and more!
Sustainable Facilitator Training with age-specific PlayPaks!
For Schools and Organizations
We guide adults to create opportunities to set the tone,
boundaries, language, safety, and permission structure.
Children participate in the culture, but they do not usually create it.
For Home and Families
Providing foundations for micro-minutes of connection,
learning and joy. Everything is provided for you.
Family trips, restaurants, flights, and time with
grandparents; PlayPaks keep everyone engaged