Hi there!

Meet Jessalyn

Jessalyn and her husband moved to West Virginia when their son was 12 days old. Just 18 months later, they welcomed their second baby. With two young children and still being relatively new to the area, Jessalyn deeply craved a place to go — somewhere safe and fun for her children, but also comfortable and fun for her. Most local options were geared toward older kids, and she struggled to find a space that truly met the needs of families with young children.​ Out of that longing, the vision for The Playroom was born. By the time her daughter was 10 months old, that vision had become reality: The Playroom was open for business.

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One of Jessalyn’s guiding beliefs comes from her favorite quote by Fred Rogers: “Play is the work of childhood.”
As a mom, and as the founder of The Playroom, she understands just how true that is. She knows that pretend play, sensory play, heavy work play, and all forms of open-ended exploration are not just fun — they are critical for a child’s healthy brain, emotional, and social development.

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With this in mind, she carefully curated every inch of The Playroom to support children in doing their most important job: playing. From the thoughtfully chosen toys and materials to the layout of the sensory zones and gross motor spaces, everything is designed to invite imagination, spark curiosity, and support development through hands-on, unstructured play.

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Jessalyn holds a master’s degree in Community Psychology and specializes in program development. Before founding The Playroom, she served as General Manager for an international developmental children’s program, where she gained extensive experience in play-based programs for young children. Her training and lived experience as a mom gave her the unique insight to create a space that nurtures both kids and caregivers.

Today, The Playroom is more than just a place to play — it’s a space for community, connection, and growth. Jessalyn and her team are proud to welcome your family into a space where kids can laugh, learn, and explore — and where parents can find support and friendship. Rain or shine, come play with us!