We’re a local hub for families with young children.

By creating an enriching, safe and welcoming environment, our primary goal is to strengthen the community and provide early childhood educational opportunities through play.

The playspace and café are thoughtfully designed to meet the educational, social-emotional and physical needs and wants of children, while keeping the caregivers’ interests at the forefront.

We believe that AT PLAY can serve as an extension of home that will cultivate joy and connection.

Play, cafe, classes, parties, community, indoor and outdoor play and more! Caregivers and parents bring babies, toddlers and children to our space for play and stay for the connection, comfort and amazing coffee!

Looking for activities for your family? We are your oasis and third place in a fast-paced world where the magic of childhood and the beauty of human connection and support can thrive.

  • Ana Callahan

    COMMUNITY SPACE LEAD

    Ana Callahan is a dedicated birthworker, yoga instructor, wilderness educator, and mother of two. She holds a B.A. in Philosophy from Boston College and a Masters in Eastern Classics from St. John’s College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Having lived and worked in the Hudson Valley since 2013, Ana specializes in supporting families across the entire birth spectrum. In 2020, her commitment to maternal care and family-forward environments inspired her to become a certified Birth and Postpartum Doula.

    Ana cares deeply about supporting families through the profound transformations of birth and postpartum life and sharing resources to assist during these transitions. She has spent the last few years helping to create retreats for parents and children, hosting women’s circles and movement classes for mothers and new families. In addition to her doula work, she has been active in the community, working within public schools and local camps to support youth development through wilderness education and nature based programming. 

    Ana loves writing, wild crafting, foraging, hiking, dance and creating seasonal food and treats. She lives in Stanfordville with her family where they play board games, bike, sled or swim, depending on the season!

  • A smiling woman with short brown hair, wearing hoop earrings, a dark green sweater, and a red plaid shirt underneath, standing outdoors with a blurry yellow and green background.

    Chessa Kenney

    FOUNDER + EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Chessa Kenney is an educator and community advocate with a Master’s in Education from Bank Street College of Education. She began her career teaching in New York City public and private schools before moving into the education technology sector, where she helped early childhood programs use tools that gave teachers more time to focus on kids.


    As the Founder and Executive Director of At Play, Chessa is creating a nonprofit community playspace and family resource center in Rhinebeck that combines play, pediatric therapy, early childhood programming, and a family-friendly café, all designed to support connection, belonging, and joyful development.


    Chessa lives in Rhinebeck with her husband, their two children, and their dog, Wolfie. She loves word games, good coffee, and time spent with family and friends.

  • A woman with glasses outdoors in a wooded area, black and white photo.

    Nepal Asatthawasi

    FOUNDING BOARD MEMBER

  • A woman with curly hair on a patterned background, smiling at the camera in black-and-white.

    Katy Clark

    FOUNDING BOARD MEMBER

  • Black and white photo of a woman with wavy dark hair and earrings, smiling slightly, in front of a brick wall and shelving.

    Maggie Pouncey

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Lindsay Bazos

    Board Member

  • Adam Solomon

    Board Member

    • Open Play

      • A thoughtfully designed indoor play environment designed for children ages 0-7.

      • A safe and engaging outdoor nature play area designed for exploration and creativity.

      • Sensory-friendly design and inclusive equipment to support diverse needs.

    • Classes & Enrichment

      • A rotating schedule of art, music, movement, and early learning classes led by talented educators and teaching artists.

      • Drop-in and session-based options available.

    • Birthday Parties & Private Events

      • Weekend party slots in our beautiful facility, staffed by our trained team.

      • Customizable packages including playtime, decorations, and refreshments.

    • Play Café

      • A cozy on-site café serving locally roasted coffee, light snacks, and beverages.

      • Designed for parents and caregivers to relax while children play safely nearby.

    • Therapeutic Partnerships

      • Licensed space for pediatric occupational, physical, and speech therapists and social workers.

      • Quiet, dedicated rooms for one-on-one support and services.

    • Community Engagement

      • Seasonal family events, free play days, and workshops.

      • Collaborations with local organizations and libraries.

  • At Play operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the following staffing and leadership roles:

    • Board of Directors

    • Executive Director

    • General Manager

    • Part-Time Staff

    • Contracted Educators

    • Therapy & Programming Partners

  • We are committed to ensuring that cost is never a barrier to participation. We offer:

    • Free day passes available to be checked out of Starr Library

    • A developing “We All Belong” fund to support Pay What You Can for memberships and classes

    • Subsidized programming through grants and sponsorships

    • Community partnerships to extend our impact beyond our walls here