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!
Jenny YanceyDirector of Programs
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.
Angela Gerena-DiazProgram Facilitator
Angela calls iCan House her “woosa” a term of endearment as she witnesses the amazing accomplishments these kids make every day as they navigate the world. Angela has worked with challenged youth her whole life as a Christian youth educator and within law enforcement. She attended Shaw University and graduated with a B.A. in Criminal Justice. Seeing so many children entering into the criminal justice system Angela set her focus on education and working specifically within alternative education. Angela currently works at RJ Reynolds High School as an alternative learning facilitator in the areas of behavior modification using best practices. Her work at iCan House fills her heart as she has a tremendous opportunity to make a difference in the lives of even more children. When Angela is not with her iCan House team, you can find her spending time with friends, reading, swimming or traveling.
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!
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.
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.