Leadership
Melissa Clarke-Wharff | Co-Founder
[email protected]
Born and raised in Des Moines, Melissa graduated from Roosevelt High School and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa. Prior to founding Can Play, she worked in the hospitality industry for 25 years. Melissa lives in West Des Moines with her husband Mike, and their 6 kids, Joe, Matt, Jack, Mari, Nick and Ellie.
Dylan DeClerck | Co-Founder
[email protected]
As a high school student, Dylan created a baseball league called Opportunity on Deck, which allowed elementary-aged kids in low-socioeconomic areas to participate in a free sports experience. In the years since he has developed a variety of sports-based youth development programs and grown the organization to serve thousands of at-risk youth without ever charging a single participant. In his time outside of work, Dylan enjoys playing professional ultimate frisbee for the Minnesota Wind Chill, providing advice to other non-profit founders and volunteering in the community. Dylan is a strong believer in the importance of life-long learning and has received his MBA from the University of Iowa.
Team
Amy Tagliareni | Opportunity Organizational Director
[email protected]
Amy has worked in the non-profit space for eight years, including three years with Opportunity on Deck. She holds a BS in public relations from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and a MS in Sport Administration from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. She is a member of the Ankeny Kiwanis and serves on the Ankeny Community School District Board of Education. Amy and her husband, John, have called Ankeny home for 14 years. They have one daughter, Erica, who attends Ankeny High School. A Wisconsin native, Amy enjoys spending time with family and friends and is an avid Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers fan.
Amanda Oleson | Licensing and Curriculum Manager
[email protected]
Amanda serves as the Licensing and Curriculum Manager at Can Play, specializing in the development of adapted recreational sports and programming for children and adults. With 25 years of educational experience, Amanda is passionate about helping others and making a positive impact on her community. When Amanda isn’t at work, you’ll catch her outdoors hiking or spending quality time with her family. For inquiries on promoting adapted recreational sports and programming in your community, feel free to reach out to her.
Ryan McCall | Opportunity Program Manager
[email protected]
Ryan has recently moved to the DSM area with her husband, Zach and cat, Maverick! She is coming to us from Illinois, where she has been a high school teacher for the past three years. Ryan graduated from Iowa State University in 2019. She loves all things sports and is excited to share her passion of healthy competition with kids around the area. Outside of Can Play, Ryan is a major movie and TV buff, loves spending time with family and friends, and enjoys cheering on the Cubs, Cyclones, and the Las Vegas Raiders.
Feleecia Watkins | Courage Program Manager
[email protected]
Feleecia is a dedicated mom, passionate animal lover, and nonprofit leader with nearly 20 years of experience in youth development. With a Masters in Curriculum and Instructional Leadership and a background in Graphic Design, she is committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of others through meaningful connections, compassion, and creativity. Beyond her professional role, she extends her impact through volunteer work with Girls on the Run of Central Iowa and serves as a youth mentor for YSS. In her free time she enjoys cheering on her son, Graysen, bike riding, supporting the arts, and spending time with her chihuahua Izzy.