ABOUT ALEX
For nearly two decades, Alex Craighead has been at the heart of education—teaching, coaching, mentoring, and designing transformative experiences for youth and educators. As a PE teacher, high school lacrosse coach, and co-founder of the youth mentoring nonprofit Journeymen Institute, he dedicated himself to empowering young people with the confidence, connection, and resilience they need to thrive.
Beyond his work in the classroom, Alex is also an author and curriculum designer, developing Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) programs that equip educators with the tools to cultivate resilience, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence in students. His approach integrates experiential learning, mentorship, and team-building, helping schools foster cultures where both students and educators can flourish.
Despite these efforts, Alex saw firsthand the challenges of engaging students, supporting educators, and fostering positive school cultures. Traditional methods often fell short, leaving students disengaged and teams disconnected.
That’s when he discovered the power of play.
Through years of experience in classrooms, on the field, and within school communities, Alex saw that when play is intentionally woven into learning, leadership, and mentorship, it becomes a catalyst for engagement, trust, and transformation. Play became his bridge to unlocking potential—breaking down barriers, strengthening relationships, and helping people step into their full, authentic selves.
Today, as an inspirational speaker, facilitator, and leadership consultant, Alex helps schools, businesses, and organizations cultivate connection, resilience, and collaboration. Through keynotes, playshops, and leadership trainings, he empowers students, educators, and teams to harness the power of play, purpose, and human connection—because when people feel safe, seen, and supported, they thrive.
What if the key to engagement, trust, and collaboration wasn’t more structure or discipline—but more play?
PLAY. TRANSFORM. THRIVE.
Play is the Portal is Alex’s signature approach to fostering connection, trust, and growth through intentional, purpose-driven play. In a world where stress, routine, and disconnection dominate, play reignites curiosity, strengthens relationships, and creates an environment where real change happens.
Alex designs interactive experiences that go beyond traditional workshops and training. Using play as a dynamic tool, he leads sessions where teams become stronger, collaboration deepens, and creativity flourishes. When play is at the core, people don’t just listen or participate—they engage fully, break down walls, and discover new possibilities.
Whether in schools, workplaces, or leadership teams, Play is the Portal invites participants to step into a space of authenticity, courage, and connection—one that leads to lasting impact.
"If you value cohesion and energy for your team, I can't think of a better person than Alex to lead your group through serious growth disguised as play, teamwork and fun.
We hired Alex to lead a couple of different workshops for our real estate investment mastermind offsite, and he exceeded expectations on all fronts. Will absolutely hire him in the future and think you should do.”
- Jan Wanot
WAREI Founder
SOME ORGANIZATIONS THAT HAVE WORKED WITH ALEX
