Kim Shufran
Kim ShufranFounder & Executive Director
Born and raised in Indiana, Kim attended Purdue University earning a BS in Nursing. Ready to see the world, she moved out west to the San Juan Islands of Washington where she worked first as the nurse for Camp Nor’Wester, and then to Seattle working in the operating room of a community hospital. Next move was to Scottsdale, AZ and then Laguna Niguel CA where she was a clinical diabetes educator and outpatient surgery center manager.

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.

Melissa Waden
Melissa WadenProgram Director
As the Program Director Melissa oversees all iCan House programs and events; ensures open communication and relationships with members and their families; and 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, 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.

Ginna Vest
Ginna VestDevelopment Director
Ginna received her Masters of Educational Administration from UNC Charlotte and has been a teacher, school administrator and curriculum coordinator for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, as well as the Cabarrus County Schools.

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 Horton
Shamarquis HortonProgram Coordinator, Facilitator for Independence in the Real World
Shamarquis is originally from Lexington, NC. After graduating high school, he moved to Greensboro, NC where he attended North Carolina A&T State University and earned a B.S. in Management & Information Systems. Shamarquis has always had a passion for helping people and giving back to his community. He has over 15 years of experience with working individuals with intellectual disabilities. While an undergrad, he worked at a group home for teen boys as well as in the community. He also operated a licensed Alternative Family Living (AFL) program with three adults living in his home for eight years. Prior to joining iCan House, Shamarquis worked for the Autism Society of NC as the Supported Living Coordinator, pioneering their first residential program in the Triad.
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 Adkisson
Meaghan AdkissonBoard Member & Program Volunteer
Meaghan has been volunteering with iCan House since 2017. She brings a neurodivergent perspective and lived experience as an autistic adult. After many years of floundering, Meaghan earned an AS in Programming from Forsyth Technical Community College. She is now employed as a web developer. As she was only able to achieve this after a diagnosis and with support, Meaghan understands how important disability supports, social skills, societal acceptance, and a social support network are for living one’s best life.

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.

Aisha Anderson
Aisha AndersonProgram Lead
As the Program Lead, Aisha plans and coordinates social events for all the clubs; serves as a group facilitator as well as has an open communication with members and their families. With a BA in Psychology, and currently pursuing a Master’s program for Clinical Mental Health Counseling , Aisha brings extensive experience in clinical, educational and leadership roles. And she is passionate about the work we do, radiant with positive and calming energy. Originally from Bronx, New York, Aisha currently lives in Winston Salem. Aisha has an extensive background with children, youth, and adults that are challenged by intellectual developmental disabilities and other mental health disorders. Aisha studied and received a BA in Psychology at Shaw University. Aisha is devoted to empowering individuals and meeting them where they are.
You can reach Aisha at aisha@icanhouse.org.
Keturah OglesbyGroup Facilitator
April HargroveGroup Facilitator
Taylor TorrezAdmissions Specialist
Kaylin RoyalsGroup Facilitator
Kaylin is from North Carolina and graduated from Appalachian State University with an undergraduate degree in Adapted Special Education and concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorders. She has taught for 10 years as an exceptional children’s teacher as well as a behavior liaison for K-12 students.
Kaylin is passionate about working with students who have diverse abilities and is excited to be part of the iCan House team working with iClub and iClub Jrs.
When Kaylin is not at iCan House, or working as an exceptional children’s teacher, she spends time with her various pets, outside, or cooking.
You can contact Kaylin at kaylin@icanhouse.org
Laura WilsonProgram Volunteer
Bennett McIverProgram Volunteer
Nastassja OrtizProgram Volunteer