Team
Meet the Team
Emily Davis
Founder
Emily Davis is a dedicated advocate, connector, and leader passionate about making the world a better place through communication, vulnerability, and community-driven change. As the Founder and Executive Director of NeuroSpark Network, she works to create inclusive spaces and opportunities for neurodivergent individuals.
Diagnosed with ADHD at the age of nine, Emily experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating a world that lacked resources and understanding for neurodivergent individuals. Growing up, she faced obstacles in education, support, and self-acceptance. It wasn’t until later in life—after learning more about the systemic issues affecting schools, parents, and teachers—that she felt compelled to act. Her personal experiences, combined with the pressing need for advocacy and change, led her to create NeuroSpark Network, an organization dedicated to empowering neurodivergent individuals and their communities.
With over a decade of experience in healthcare, Emily has worked in various roles, including Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, and Data Analyst at Humana Insurance, where she gained extensive knowledge of patient care, medication management, and healthcare analytics. Her expertise in both direct patient care and data-driven decision-making has given her a unique perspective on the gaps in healthcare and education, fueling her advocacy work. She is also a graduate of Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTCS) with an associate’s in applied sciences.
Beyond healthcare, Emily has dedicated herself to supporting individuals in need, both mentally and physically. She previously served as a Part-Time Community Engagement Specialist at Cielo Breathwork, where she fostered connections and expanded access to holistic wellness practices. In her role at Simply Shift, she helped transition senior citizens from their current living situations to senior living facilities or home health care, ensuring they received the support and care they needed. These experiences deepened her commitment to advocating for individuals at all stages of life.
Emily founded and hosted The Wondering Mind Podcast for three years, where she fostered open conversations about mental health. Emily is also co-founder of MinDFEST, a festival dedicated to mental wellness awareness. In her newest role as a Community Connector at a large insurance company, she assists low-income and houseless individuals in accessing essential resources, furthering her mission to create meaningful change in people’s lives.
Her passion lies in problem-solving, fostering connections, and advocating for those who need it most. Through NeuroSpark and her many endeavors, Emily strives to empower individuals, families, and educators to create a more inclusive and supportive world.
Molly Hastings-Parke
Director of Research and Educational Resources
Molly is a Board Certified Cognitive Specialist (BCCS) and the owner of LearningRx of Louisville and Grace Place Learning Center. With over a decade as a specialist in learning Molly is passionate about changing lives and offering people hope.
Molly holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and studied elementary education. Additionally, she went to graduate school for social work. Growing up she wanted to be a teacher or a psychologist. She believes that kids (and adults) should be met where they are in their learning journeys. Molly grew up in Michigan and enjoys reading (her favorite books are the Harry Potter series) and hanging out with her kids. Her favorite subjects in school were math and literature and coincidentally to this day, they are her favorite to teach. Her favorite thing about brain training at LearningRx or tutoring at Grace Place is getting kids excited about learning.
Through her work, Molly has a lot of experience with neurodivergent students and has helped many families through the struggles of navigating resources. This is the reason she is passionate about NeuroSpark. When we better meet the needs of those in our community, everyone benefits and NeuroSpark has the potential to connect many teachers and families with the resources they need.
Savannah Sherman
Director of Educational Programming
I’m Savannah, originally from California, and I relocated to Louisville a year ago. While the transition has been a significant cultural adjustment, I am thoroughly enjoying my time here. Currently, I am pursuing a Doctorate degree in Education and Professional Practice and serve as the Regional Area Manager for Jefferson County at Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative (OVEC). Prior to my role in school administration, I spent five years as a teacher. My passion for advocating for children drives my enthusiasm for serving as the Director of Educational Programming of the NeuroSpark Network board.
Ashleigh Chanel
At-Large
A world travelling lover of charcuterie boards, expert Digital Marketer & the CEO of Make Your Mark Digital Marketing Agency. Ashleigh Chanel helps profit-driven business owners transform their businesses into revenue-generating and impact-creating machines without the extra time and stress. I position my clients as authorities in their industries with tailored organic and paid marketing and advertising strategies. And she believes that when women are paid the world changes.
Ruth Gao
Secretary
Ruth is a Louisville transplant who has fallen in love with the city and the state. Ruth owns South Seas Tiki & Golf Lounge and sits on the Jeffersontown City Council.
Ruth has a background in higher and adult education and earned a PhD in Educational Leadership in 2020. Ruth has worked everywhere from the education sector to Chick-fil-A as Director of Drive-Thru at two locations. One through-line throughout her career has been a dedication to service and community.
Ruth received an adult ADHD diagnosis and is passionate about helping others better understand themselves so they can be successful and true to themselves.
