Direct Neural Activation

Empowering play to heal the mind.

A community-driven movement combating mental health challenges through the science of motion — one player at a time.

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About

A holistic answer to a global crisis.

PLAYDNA is a community-driven organization dedicated to improving mental health outcomes through the transformative power of play and physical movement.

Mood disorders, depression and anxiety affect millions of families worldwide. Traditional treatments are vital — but often costly and inaccessible. We offer a complementary path: harnessing the connection between movement and the mind.

We call it Direct Neural Activation — impacting one player at a time.

The Science

Movement is medicine for the mind.

Physical activity releases serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins — the body's natural mood regulators. PLAYDNA channels this neurochemistry through structured, joyful play.

How it works

Four pillars. One activation.

Structured Programming

Team-based and individual programs across ages and abilities — a safe space for engagement and growth.

TheraPLAY

Play therapy elements that invite creative expression, emotional release, and stress reduction.

Neural Benefits

Movement boosts serotonin, dopamine and endorphins — nature's own regulators of mood and focus.

Community First

Coaches, families and friends together — building supportive ecosystems around every participant.

The Practice

Stillness lives inside motion.

From mindful warm-ups to team rituals, our programs balance the energy of play with the calm of intention — building emotional resilience through embodied practice.

1 in 5

adults face mental illness each year

30 min

of daily movement measurably lifts mood

100%

of our programs are community-rooted

The People

No one heals alone.

Every program weaves coaches, families, and players into a tight-knit support system. Connection, after all, is the original therapy.

The Team

Meet the founders.

PLAY DNA is the brainchild of the Glantz brothers — Daniel and Alec.

Co-Founder · Age 17

Daniel Glantz

An emerging young leader with a passion for baseball, basketball, and football. Daniel channels the same challenges many teens face into positive outlets — sport, travel, music, and movement — and has built sharp instincts for leadership, decision-making, and collaboration along the way.

Driven by his own experiences, Daniel co-founded PLAY DNA to promote mental health awareness through the power of play — encouraging others to stay active, connect with peers, and find balance in body and mind.

Co-Founder · Age 15

Alec Glantz

A dynamic athlete with a love for basketball and football, Alec pairs his commitment to fitness with curiosity for travel, food, and music. On and off the court, he's developed strengths in leadership, problem-solving, and bringing people together.

As co-founder of PLAY DNA, Alec is dedicated to using play to combat mental health issues among young people — building strong connections and a healthy mind through sport and recreation.

Join the movement

Activate something extraordinary.

Partner with PLAYDNA to bring movement-based mental wellness to your community, school, or team.

Start the conversation