Meet Our Team | The Social Sparrow Co.

Meet Our Team

The Women Behind The Social Sparrow

We’re a team of Mahjong lovers, teachers, and community builders who believe some of the best connections happen around the table.

Meet Our Co-Owners

Mary McBride

Co-Owner

Mary McBride is co-founder of The Social Sparrow and the face of Mahjong with Mary. She loves nothing more than watching friendships spark across a Mahjong table. A former elementary school teacher, she brings a light-hearted, flexible style that makes the game approachable for all ages and skill levels. When she’s not teaching, she’s parading her Great Pyrenees Tammy Lynn, cheering on her daughter at UNL, or catching her husband’s latest stand-up set.

Mahjong Motto “Everyone is welcome at the table. Be patient, be kind, and have FUN!”

Melanie Wolff

Co-Owner

Melanie Wolff initially learned Mahjong to make more connections after becoming an empty nester and quickly fell in love with the game. She loves the strategy and skill, but above all she values the relationships she has cultivated playing Mahjong!

With 25+ years of teaching experience from high school students to adult learners she offers patience, encouragement, and adaptability in her teaching style. She loves welcoming new players to the game whether in class or during an open play meet up. Everyone is drawn to sit at Melanie's table because of her calm, welcoming presence and thoughtful insights.

When she isn’t teaching or playing, Melanie enjoys traveling with her husband and daughters, reading, and crafting.

Mahjong Motto “The more the merrier!”

Erica Moller

Co-owner

Erica Moller took her first Mahjong lesson from Mary in April 2025 and was instantly hooked. She loved that Mahjong was equal parts social and strategic—a way to meet new people, reconnect with old friends, and have fun while still challenging her brain. What started as a new hobby quickly became a passion.

A lifelong entrepreneur, Erica has spent 25 years as the owner of Material Girl, a women's fashion and accessories boutique. Combining her retail experience, passion for fashion, and love of Mahjong made The Social Sparrow feel like a natural next chapter.

Outside of work and Mahjong, Erica is always ready for her next adventure—whether it's a family trip with her husband and two boys, a girls' getaway, or a solo escape. She loves being near the ocean, shopping, and rarely says no to a good glass of Prosecco.

Mahjong Motto “Shuffle. Shop. Sip. Repeat.”

Meet The Team

Laura Ricceri

Mahjong Instructor

Laura Ricceri was instantly hooked after learning Mahjong, quickly becoming captivated not only by the strategy of the game, but also by the incredible sense of community it creates.

As a middle school math teacher with 19 years of experience, she finds joy in the patterns, probability, and logic woven into the tiles. Laura understands diverse learning styles and gently guides her Mahjong students as they build both skill and confidence. She will encourage you, challenge you, and support you every step of the way.

When Laura isn’t at the Mahjong table or in the classroom, she and her wife, Amber, are busy keeping up with their two adorable daughters.

Mahjong Motto “I'm excited to share the "crack, bam, and dot" magic with all of you!”

Leslie Mayo

Mahjong Instructor

Leslie brings a patient, encouraging approach to teaching Mahjong and loves helping players feel comfortable and confident at the table. With more than 12 years of experience teaching middle and high school science, she has a knack for breaking down complicated concepts and making them easy and fun to learn.

Whether she’s helping a brand-new player make sense of the NMJL card or guiding someone ready to strengthen their strategy, Leslie creates a welcoming environment where questions are encouraged and learning never feels intimidating.

When Leslie isn’t at the Mahjong table, you can usually find her on the pool deck managing a year-round USA Swimming competitive team in Elkhorn or volunteering with Omaha nonprofit organizations. She also loves hitting the road with her husband, Scott.

For Leslie, Mahjong is a chance to put down the screens, gather around a table, challenge your brain, and connect with people along the way.

Mahjong Motto “Good strategy, great company, and a little tile chemistry.”

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