Meet the Makers
at our PLAYce
We are a culture of educators, thinkers, artists, and makers who believe in the power of play, the giftedness of all children, and the necessity of magic.
Nature uses human imagination to lift her work of creation to even higher levels. Luigi Pirandello
At PLAYceMaker, we work with child care programs, schools, zoos, museums, and nature centers to design playable landscapes and outdoor learning environments that are “educational, playable, intentional, natural and INSPIRING!” Vicky is passionate about providing children with daily, nature-based opportunities.
Vicky has served in a variety of roles in early childhood education for 4 decades, most recently having been the director of Highland Plaza United Methodist Preschool (1991-2015). In her 24 years there she transformed the preschool into a progressive model of early education based on discovery and inquiry practices with children.
Vicky Flessner
Vicky is an award-winning outdoor classroom designer and seeker of magical ways to engage children outdoors. She understands administrative, maintenance, safety, and financial challenges and knows how to successfully guide you through them as you create your dream project together.
Owner, Consultant, Designer, Maker
Brian Somerville, The Grit Shop
Sculptor, Maker, Artisan, Fabricator
PLAYceMaker is proud to collaborate with Brian Somerville in the greater Nashville, Tennessee area.
While firstly a celebrated sculptor, Brian has experience in a variety of large-scale sculptures and fabrications. His work with PLAYceMaker shows that just about anything is possible! From furniture to musical instruments to sand digs or caves, Brian can make it happen.
Brian's company, The Grit Shop, has an amazing network of collaborators including Jason York and Sean Perdue.
Hop on over to the PLAYceFOLIO to see his work at Calvary Young Children's School in Nashville, TN and 2nd Presbyterian Weekday School in Louisville, KY.
Dale Madden
General Contractor, Landscaper, Maker
PLAYceMaker and Dale Madden collaborate on playscape design and creation in the Knoxville,Tennessee area through Dale's company, earthadelic.
Earthadelic is a multi-award winning, full service landscape construction company that offers a variety of services ranging from landscape and hardscape design to construction and home renovations.
Look for new Happy PLAYces
happenin' in Knoxville!
Justin McCosh
Landscaper, Concrete Artisan, Maker
PLAYceMaker and Justin McCosh collaborate on playscape design and creation in the Chattanooga,Tennessee area.
Justin offers expert hardscape construction,
is trained and licensed as a StoneMakers.net artisan and dealer, and is father to three children, 7 and under.
Look for more Happy PLAYces
happenin' in Chattanooga!
