About

Where play has no limits.

Our Mission

Can Play brings adapted and no cost recreational programs to our communities by removing barriers to play.

Our Focus

Inclusion: We ensure that everyone has access to play.
Community: We bring people and communities together to play as one.
Play: We use sports and recreation programs to inspire and empower people to achieve their goals on and off the field.

Can Play provides access to sports and recreation programming for thousands of underserved youth in central Iowa with financial, physical, cognitive, emotional, or chronic health care barriers to play. Our mission empowers us to decrease the participation gap in sports and recreation that affects underprivileged youth not just physically, but also on a social, mental and developmental level. We serve approximately 9,000 participants a year through our Opportunity, Courage, H.E.R.S., licensing and other community programs.

Our Team

The Can Play team is comprised of passionate professionals with expertise in adaptive sports programming, no-cost sports programming and community engagement. Our diverse backgrounds and shared commitment to inclusivity enable us to develop and deliver high-quality programs that make a real difference. We work tirelessly to ensure that every participant has the opportunity to enjoy and benefit from our no-cost and adapted sports and recreational activities.

Melissa Clarke-Wharff

Executive Director

melissa@can-play.org

Tiffany Barlow

Director of Development

Tiffany@can-play.org

Tiffany serves as the Director of Development and Marketing for Can Play Adapted and brings 25+ years of marketing expertise to the team. Outside of crafting strategic marketing initiatives, you’ll find Tiffany supporting Eleanor’s activities or planning the next family vacation somewhere tropical to scuba dive with her family.

Tiffany is dedicated to giving back to the community, volunteering her time wherever needed.

Rounding out her happy crew are her husband, John, their dog, Rocky, and her daughter, Eleanor.

Carly Satterwhite

Program Manager

Carlye@can-play.org

Carlye serves as the Program Manager at Can Play and brings over 15 years of education experience to the team. Carlye earned a Master of Education degree from the University of Northern Iowa and a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree in Physical Education/Health from Simpson College. Carlye brings a passion for supporting all types of learners and abilities. Outside of work, you can find Carlye providing softball lessons to athletes ranging from elementary school to college and running after her three children with her husband Matt.

Ann Miles

Licensing Curriculum Coordinator

Ann@can-play.org

Sam Stevens

Program Manager

As our Program Manager and Volunteer Liaison, Sam brings both professional expertise and heartfelt dedication to supporting youth in need. With a couple of years of experience working closely with troubled youth in the foster care system, Sam is passionate about creating safe, supportive environments that empower kids/young adults to grow, heal, and thrive. Outside of work, Sam enjoys running half marathons, playing slow-pitch softball, and spending quality time with family. An active member of his local church, Sam is grounded in faith and community and brings that spirit into every aspect of his work.

Our Board

BOARD OFFICERS

Lisa Grefe | Chairperson

Wealth Advisor & Trust Officer, First Community Trust

Jay Syverson | Vice Chair

Attorney, Nyemaster Goode P.C.

Benjamin Butzke | Past Chairperson

Co-President, Butzke Burch Construction

John Leder | Treasurer

Client Executive, Holmes Murphy

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Polly Loneman

Director of Marketing NCMIC

Marcy Baker

Vice President, Risk & ALM | Sammons® Financial Group

Ellen Bennett

Portfolio Analyst, Principal Financial Group

Jennifer Ellis

Regional Marketing Director, UnityPoint Health

Jami Haberl

Executive Director, Iowa Healthiest State Initiative

Leah Lint

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager, Krause Group