Who We Are

Denisha Jones is a true play advocate, global play scholar, and founder & chief play scientist at the Play Science Institute.

She belongs to a global network of educators, advocates, and researchers who believe in the power of play.

A smiling woman with curly black hair wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat and a black backpack taking a selfie, with an informational poster in Chinese behind her on a wooden stand, outdoors on grass and dirt.
A woman with a hat smiling and talking to a young boy in a blue jacket at an outdoor playground with wooden structures, surrounded by greenery and children playing.
Three children on a grassy hill, two girls standing and a girl lying on a padded mat. Buildings with barred windows are in the background.
Woman lying on a hospital bed, smiling, with a medical device or tag attached to her neck.
A woman wearing a blue dress speaking into a microphone at a conference, holding a book, with attendees in the background and a green conference badge around her neck.
A woman smiling while wearing a colorful traditional headdress and an orange outfit with gold accents, indoors with a person in the background.

What We Believe

At the Play Science Institute, we believe play is:

  • Intrinsically chosen

  • Enjoyable

  • Biologically driven

  • The right of all children

Play Needs:

  • Time

  • Space

  • Permission

Young children in blue uniforms playing and sitting on a playground with trees and a fence in the background.

Play doesn’t have to be:

  • Guided/Structured

  • Teacher/Adult-led

  • Made educational

Play should never be:

  • A privilege

  • A punishment

  • A reward

Ready to Reimagine What’s Possible with Play?

Send us a quick inquiry to lear more about the princples of play science.