OUR MISSION
BECAUSE every child deserves to learn through play.
Say YES to RECESS is a dedicated group of parents, grandparents, teachers, and community members united by one mission: to restore and protect recess for all children. Together, they’re working to ensure every child experiences the full benefits of recess—supporting physical health, creativity, social growth, and emotional well-being—while also advocating for and uplifting teachers and school leaders.
Our Story
In early 2025, SAY YES TO RECESS (SYTR) officially launched as a nonprofit, turning a grassroots effort into a statewide movement for change. Founded by three mothers—Rachel Bush, Kathryn Truman, and Morgan Garner—SYTR began after years of advocacy to address recess inequities in Montgomery County, TN. When local efforts resulted in only a 10-minute increase in daily recess, they recognized the need for broader action. Taking their mission to the state capitol, they set out to transform recess policies across Tennessee and champion a national movement ensuring every child has access to 60 minutes of daily recess.
Meet the Founders
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Rachel Bush
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Morgan Garner
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Kathryn Truman
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A mom of four, Rachel’s journey began when she set out to help her oldest daughter manage anxiety. That personal mission quickly grew into a passionate advocacy for all children to have access to more recess and unstructured play during the school day. Rachel doesn’t just believe in a child’s right to play — she believes in their right to be. Whether it’s relaxing in the grass, swinging on monkey bars, digging in the dirt, or befriending a curious bug on the playground, every child deserves time to connect with the world in their own way. To her, unstructured play isn’t a luxury — it’s a vital part of learning.
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When she’s not fighting for more recess or designing graphics for Say YES to RECESS, Rachel is a full-time professor of graphic design, where she inspires the next generation of creatives. She also coaches her kids’ basketball and soccer teams, trying to balance advocacy, academia, and after-school practices with heart and humor.
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Her favorite recess memory goes all the way back to third grade. One day, a group of boys challenged the girls to a game of Red Rover. The girls gladly accepted… and ended up winning! Everyone played fair and had fun, but that little victory has stayed with her ever since — still bringing a smile to her face.
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As a proud mom of two, Morgan is inspired daily by her children to advocate for a more balanced school day—one that values both meaningful learning and the power of play. For Morgan, recess isn’t just about running around—it’s a place for kids to build confidence, creativity, and connection. Alongside Kathryn, Rachel, and their SYTR team, she helped lead the effort behind the landmark Tennessee legislation that increased daily recess to 40 minutes for elementary students, setting a model for schools nationwide.
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When she’s not at the state capitol or helping launch Say YES to RECESS chapters across the country, Morgan is a full-time REALTOR®, Army wife, and master juggler of all things family. She can often be found in her garden or sipping a glass of Prosecco on her porch as her kids run amuck.
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Morgan’s favorite recess memories include dominating the tetherball court (she was always the tallest) and seeing who could jump the farthest off the swings. She never did flip over the swing set—but hey, there’s still time.
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Kathryn is proud of SYTR for many reasons—but most of all, for the way it’s sparked meaningful conversations across the country about what the education system is prioritizing. Her biggest motivation and favorite title is MOM to four active boys, who can usually be found barefoot and outside, getting into some sort of trouble.
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Kathryn is one-third of the powerhouse trio that founded Say YES to RECESS (SYTR). She spent eight years serving as an officer in the U.S. Army before pursuing her longtime dream of becoming a nurse. When she’s not helping launch SYTR chapters across the country, she works as a Registered Nurse in Nashville.
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Kathryn attended school in New York, where recess took place in a small section of the school parking lot—and that was all they needed! She has the best memories of mastering the art of double Dutch with friends and her sisters, who attended the same school.
nationwide advocacy.
Our mission is built on a simple belief: every child grows and thrives with access to at least 60 minutes of unstructured play each day. This belief has fueled a growing national movement, with SYTR chapters expanding across the country and bringing together parents, educators, policymakers, and students to make meaningful recess a fundamental part of every child’s school day.