Steve Gross, MSW

"It is an honor to be an Advisory Board member for Treehouse. I admire the energy, effort and intelligence that is enabling this organization to create real community and help others to Re-Envision Foster Care in America."
Steve Gross is the Founder and Chief Playmaker of the Life is good Playmakers, a 501(c)(3) public charity whose vision is a world where all children grow up feeling safe, loved and joyful. In order to make this vision a reality, Playmakers partners with frontline professionals – such as teachers, social workers and child life specialists – who dedicate their lives to helping children overcome poverty, violence and illness. Steve has devoted his career to the service of our most vulnerable children. A pioneer in utilizing exuberant, joyful play to promote resiliency in children and their caregivers, and a leader in the field of psychological trauma response, Gross is committed to the healthy development of children facing the most challenging circumstances. Steve’s talents have been called upon to respond to some of the greatest catastrophes of our time, including the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, earthquakes in Haiti and Japan, and the 2012 Newtown school shooting. At the heart of his work, Steve helps others access their own playfulness so that they can build resilience and bring greater joy, connection, courage and creativity to their work and their lives.