Lyndsie Zacheis is a six-time best-selling author, speaker, actress, and visionary leader transforming how the world connects, heals, and grows.
As the founder of The Play Way, a global movement rooted in the transformative power of play, Lyndsie empowers adults, teens, and tweens to reconnect with their inner child—unlocking resilience, emotional intelligence, and creativity to thrive in a disconnected world.
Her mission began in 2011, after witnessing acts of extreme violence in Los Angeles. Lyndsie recognized that play wasn’t just for children—it was a universal tool to break barriers, foster mental health, and cultivate connection. She dedicated her life to turning play into a resource for addressing real-world challenges like isolation, burnout, and cultural division, reshaping how individuals and communities engage with one another.
In 2020, a near-fatal car accident left Lyndsie in a coma, launching her into a four-year recovery. During this time, play became her anchor—a way to rebuild emotional strength, mental clarity, and purpose. This deeply personal experience reinforced her belief that play is essential—not just for fun, but as a lifeline for resilience and healing in times of crisis.
Her initiative, Help the 11th, expands this mission by creating a ripple effect of kindness and connection. Each Play Ninja is trained to inspire 11 others, turning small, playful acts into exponential waves of change. With a goal to train 111,000 Play Ninjas by 2025 and 1.1 million by the LA28 Olympics, Lyndsie is spearheading a movement that redefines how we approach mental health, emotional growth, and collaboration on a global scale.
As a strategist, consultant, actress, and mental health advocate, Lyndsie’s work spans corporate leaders, educators, and communities from all walks of life. Through her play shops, speaking engagements, and creative initiatives, Lyndsie demonstrates that play is more than entertainment—it is a catalyst for transformation, helping people connect, heal, and grow together.
Currently developing a documentary chronicling her extraordinary journey, Lyndsie continues to inspire audiences worldwide with her story of resilience and purpose. Her message is clear: play is not optional, it is pivotal.
“Play is the lens in which we see the worlds endless possibilities”
Playfully Kind,
Lyndsie Zacheis