Upon moving to NC with her late husband, Kim worked for 12 years at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in post-anesthesia care, and then in Organizational Development as an Internal Consultant and Instructional Designer.
As a single parent, she watched her young daughter struggle with social connections and academics. Falling between the cracks for years, Erica was eventually identified as having ADHD, Central Auditory Processing and Sensory Integration Disorder, anxiety, learning disabiities, and autism.
Finally, with some understanding of Erica’s challenges. Kim sought help. However, wherever she turned, the focus was on what was wrong with Erica, which was contrary to Kim’s wish for her daugther. Kim knew that there was much Erica COULD do! Few resources were available for her daughter, and none that were strengths-based. Thus, she set forth to design a place where Erica and others could learn skills without a focus on a diagnosis. In 2008, iCan House opened with a few children and hopeful parents.
Now, many years later, Erica is happily married living in Raleigh with her husband and their bird, Nori. True to what Kim believed, Erica has demonstrated what is possible and what she CAN do!
When not working, Kim is frequently seen about town and at the iCan House with her umbrella cockatoo, Sam. She loves that her home is filled with joy and activity with her two rescue dogs and seven pet birds!
You can contact Kim at kim@icanhouse.org.
With a Masters in Social Work, BA in Psychology, and BS in Social Work, Melissa brings extensive experience in clinical, educational, nonprofit, and leadership roles. And she is passionate about the work we do, radiant with positive energy, quick witted, and sharp-minded.
Originally from HIgh Point, Melissa lived in Fort Worth Texas for several years while working with the Dallas VA as a Clinical Social Worker. She then moved to Upper Marlboro, Maryland for a few years while working at the Medstar Washington Hospital Center as a Clinical Social Worker. After living out of the state for eight years Melissa returned to Jamestown NC and is home to stay.
Melissa has an extensive background with children, youth, and adults that are challenged by intellectual developmental disabilities and other mental health disorders. While studying Psychology and Social Work at UNC Chapel Hill and UNC Greensboro, she devoted her time to community leadership, grass roots projects, community health, and empowerment efforts in partnership with The United Way, Leadership Connections, Guilford County Health Department, Housing and Urban Development, and the Greensboro Urban Ministries. She also was the executive director and co-founder of a 501c3 grassroots organization that assisted individuals living with HIV/AIDS and their families.
Melissa brings extensive training in Behavior Modification, Motivational Interviewing, and treatment modalities that focus on empowering individuals and meeting them where they are, to her role working with members, families, and staff. Melissa is ecstatic to be with the iCan House.
You can contact Melissa at melissa@icanhouse.org.
She has volunteered at Kaleideum (The Childrens Museum), Brenner Childrens Hospital, SCAN, and is active in ministry at Centenary United Methodist Church, as well as Rotary Club for Forsyth County.
Most recently, Ginna served six years as Chief Development Officer promoting community relationships, organizing fundraisers and forming non profit boards, before beginning as Development Director with iCan House.
You can contact Ginna at ginna@icanhouse.org.
Shamarquis enjoys working with individuals in residential, community, vocational or day program settings. He values building relationships, ensuring health/safety and long term happiness for individuals with whom he works. Shamarquis enjoys listening to music, cooking, sports, spending time with family/friends and traveling.
You can contact Sharmarquis at shamarquis@icanhouse.org
Meaghan lives near Winston-Salem with her cat Conri. She is passionate about racial equity, mental health, LGBT+ issues, disability justice, the safety and success of young neurodivergent people, Marvel movies, cheetahs, and memorizing dialogue from Lilo And Stitch: The Series.
You can reach Aisha at aisha@icanhouse.org.