Kim Shufran
Kim ShufranExecutive Director
Originally from Indiana, Kim graduated from Purdue University with a BS in Nursing. With a desire to move west, she then lived in Seattle, Scottsdale, and Laguna Niguel CA working in clinical nursing and management. Finally in 1994 she came to Winston Salem to work at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, where she incorporated her clinical experience as an Internal Consultant in Organizational Development. As her young daughter grew up, she struggled socially and academically. When her daughter was diagnosed with ADHD, CAPD, and Asperger’s Syndrome, she finally had an explanation for her challenges. Kim was ready to help her, but then realized that few resources were available. Thus to help her daughter and others, she designed and founded the iCan House in 2008. Kim lives in Winston Salem with her daughter, 2 dogs and 6 birds!
Melissa Waden
Melissa WadenProgram Director
As the Program Director Melissa oversees all iCan House programs and events; ensures open communications and relationships with members and their families; manages staff and team performance which includes staff training and inservices.

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, and 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 approximately 8 years Melissa returned to Jamestown NC and is home to stay.

Melissa has an extensive background with children, youth, and adults that are challengedby intellectual developmental disabilities and other mental health disorders. Melissa studied Psychology and Social Work at UNC Chapel Hill and UNC Greensboro, where she devoted much of her time outside of school to community leadership, grass roots projects, and 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. Melissa also co-founded a 501c3 grassroots organization that assisted individuals living with HIV/AIDS and their families where she served as Executive Director for many years as well. Melissa has had extensive training in Behavior Modification, Motivational Interviewing, and treatment modalities that focus on empowering individuals and meeting them where they are. She is ecstatic to be with the iCan House.

Sarah Britt
Sarah BrittAdministrative Coordinator
Born and raised in North Carolina, Sarah earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Communication Studies from UNC Greensboro, focused on organizational communication, specifically within nonprofit organizations. Before joining the iCan House team, she worked in both administrative and case management roles and spent time traveling internationally to volunteer with nonprofit organizations in Romania, Thailand, and Uganda. She is passionate about using storytelling and narrative to empower individuals and build effective systems of communication within organizations. When she is not working, she loves spending time at home with her husband, her son, and their cat or finding time to journal at a local coffee shop. She also enjoys cooking, story-driven video games, and reading.
Carl KarpinskiProgram Facilitator
Carl has joined the iCanHouse as Program Facilitator for the Real World Connections guys and seniors. A native of Winston Salem, Carl spent 28 years with Wells Fargo Bank before retiring in 2016. He caught the education bug while substitute teaching and now works as a TA in a special needs class at Diggs Latham Elementary school. Carl and his wife Leslie have 3 kids and 2 grandsons (with another on the way)! Carl’s free time is usually taken up with a number of outdoor pursuits, cycling being his primary passion. Carl is excited to be working with the young men in Real World Connections and a part of the dynamic team.
Jenny YanceyProgram Coordinator
Working with children and families for over 25 years, Jenny’s love of children is a part of her core. At 17 Jenny began working with preschool children, and over the years she has worked in various settings including in a residential children’s home for at-risk teens. She most recently managed a preschool for 100 children with a staff of 23. Within this school she had multiple many children with special needs ensuring their needs were met. Along with her management and people skills, Jenny’s spirit of calm strength, confidence and understanding come through in all she does. Originally from Maryland, Jenny and her husband now live in Virginia with their dogs. Jenny loves history, architecture and genealogy, and is enjoying learning about the history of how Winston and Salem communities began. Jenny is extremely proud of her 21-year-old son who as a strong and skilled reservist in the US Marine Corps also has a generous and loving nature.
Samantha CookProgram Coordinator
Samantha is the new Program Coordinator and Facilitator for Real World Connections guys, girls, and seniors. She grew up in Texas and moved to North Carolina in 2014. After seeing the fall season here, she was hooked. She has a passion for giving back and making a difference in her community. She graduated from UNCG with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and has over 10 years of experience working with youth. In her spare time, she loves hanging out with family and friends, traveling and being active as much as she can.
Angel PeelProgram Facilitator
After working in health care for many years as a paramedic and phlebotomist, Angel wanted a change of pace. As a teaching assistant in the cross cat and functional skills class in Randolph County schools, she works directly with program facilitator Chloe Tyler. Angel learned about iCan House through Chloe’s enthusiasm about our programs and curriculum. Angel is excited to be a part of the iCan House team, working with iClub and the adult Meet-n-Eat group. When not working at iCan House, Angel is busy with her 14-year-old son and his many activities and interests!
Barbara SextonProgram Facilitator
Barbara grew up in North Carolina, attended College at UNC Charlotte and Lenior-Rhyne, and moved to Winston-Salem in 2000. She has worked with children and families in many settings, including as a school counselor for over 20 years. She is very active – cycling, walking, boating – anything that involves the outdoors! Barbara lives in Bermuda Run with her husband and black lab Zoey. Her older daughter, Cameron graduated Harvard 2018 and attends Elon Law School. Her younger daughter, Danielle recently graduated from Dartmouth. Her step-son lives and works in Charlotte, and step-daughter lives in Orlando and works at Disney. Barbara very much looks forward to building authentic relationships with the club members and their families and is excited for this new adventure! Fun fact: Barbara played college basketball, as did both her daughters, and she once played in a pick-up game with Michael Jordan.
Chloe TylerProgram Facilitator
Chloe is originally from a small town in New Hampshire. While she loved the rural environment and small-town feel of her hometown, college was a perfect opportunity to explore new opportunities and warmer weather. Chloe graduated from High Point University in 2018 with a B.A. in Special Education-Adapted Curriculum. She graduated with an M.Ed. in Special Education-Adapted Curriculum in May 2019. Chloe discovered iCan House through a trip with her master’s class in 2018. Just a few months later, Chloe was honored to join the team and iCan House continues to be the best part of her week. When Chloe is not at iCan House, she works at Archdale-Trinity Middle School as a Cross-Categorical teacher. Chloe was named the beginning teacher of the year for Randolph County Schools in the spring of 2019. Chloe enjoys spending time with her friends, traveling and she has a small photography/videography business. Chloe also loves her two cats, Finn and Avery and is a foster mom for Forsyth Humane Society.
Katie EliadesProgram Facilitator
Katie grew up in Westfield, New Jersey with her mom, dad, and three brothers. Although from the north, Katie’s family has always spent their summers’ in the Outer Banks. During the summer, Katie worked as an outdoor educator where she taught programs such as surfing for autism. She received her bachelor’s degree from High Point University where she majored in psychology and minored in history and education. While at HPU, Katie served as captain of the rowing team and still coaches High School and Master rowing programs in High Point, NC. After graduation, Katie started work as a study coordinator for Wake Forest School of Medicine and continues to work there. Katie is excited to join the iCan House team to work with iClub and Meet-n-Eat. When not working, Katie loves cooking, painting, and playing soccer.