Rooted in Community. Driven by Compassion.

She has a wealth of experience in leadership and management roles, and when she had the opportunity to be her own boss, she jumped at it. She established SPARKS in 2018 to provide relational, trauma-informed, face-to-face support for people in need.

Under her leadership, SPARKS has grown into a trusted organisation delivering crisis support, coaching, connection sessions, including baby groups and health hubs across Scarborough. She now leads multi-agency partnerships with the NHS, local authorities and voluntary sector partners, securing funding, shaping strategy and ensuring measurable impact.

Michelle is passionate about mental health and is a published author of “Keep Your Hopes and Dreams Alive”. She is an Advanced trainee in Relational Psychotherapeutic Counselling with UKCP, which has informed the expansion of SPARKS’ counselling team to 15 in-house practitioners.

Michelle is driven by a deep belief that everyone deserves to be met with compassion, kindness and given the opportunity to build a better future.

Outside of Sparks, Michelle enjoys time with her family and friends, walking her dog, concerts, reading and ticking off as many holiday destinations across the world as she can.

He specialises in manufacturing and, in particular, in print and graphic design - an industry where he spent 18 years of his career as Company Secretary, Finance Director, Operations Director, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.

Michael was introduced to SPARKS through the Scalby Fair in April 2023 and became a Trustee in June 2023. As well as acting as our Finance Trustee, he supports Michelle Davison-Ward on grant applications, general management and networking with local businesses. He became our Chair of Trustees later in 2023.

Michael’s motivation in becoming a Trustee is to support a charity that really makes a tangible difference to people’s lives. SPARKS is incredibly effective at delivering positive change to everybody it engages with.

Outside of work and SPARKS, Michael is a Trustee of Rise and Shine Runners and a key member of Scalby Fair. He is also very active with running, swimming, tennis, Padel Tennis, Pickleball, Bridge and Poker.

Alongside his medical career, David brings valuable leadership experience shaped by his involvement in faith-based initiatives and entrepreneurial ventures, where he has developed a people-centred approach to service and decision-making.

David joined SPARKS as a Trustee in 2025, offering a unique perspective through a medical lens. In his role, he contributes insight on health awareness and supports initiatives that aim to improve the well-being of the community. His professional background enables him to help bridge the gap between healthcare knowledge and accessible community support.

David's motivation for becoming a Trustee stems from a deep desire to give back and make a meaningful difference. He is passionate about using his skills and experience to support others, believing that even small interventions can have a lasting impact on people’s lives. For David, true success is measured by how many lives are positively changed through his presence and contribution.

Guided by his core values of faith, family, and putting people first, David approaches his work with compassion and purpose. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys playing football, travelling, table tennis, and learning the piano at a beginner level.

Having settled in the town five years ago after moving from London, she was motivated to contribute her skills to an organisation delivering meaningful support within the local community. She is particularly committed to ensuring that the charity’s work is clearly understood by those whose support, investment and collaboration are vital to its future.

With more than 30 years’ experience in marketing and communications, Zoe brings substantial expertise in reputation-building, audience engagement and strategic messaging. Her career has focused on helping organisations communicate their value with clarity and credibility, making her well placed to support The Sparks Project in raising its profile and strengthening external understanding of its contribution across Scarborough.

Alongside her professional background, Zoe has direct experience of fundraising and volunteering in the charitable sector. She has supported Genesis Research Trust as a fundraiser, including completing a London to Paris cycle ride, and has also volunteered with Save the Children. These experiences have given her a strong appreciation of the importance of trust, visibility and sustained support in enabling charities to thrive.

Now a proud grandmother, Zoe brings both professional insight and personal commitment to her trustee role, with a clear focus on helping The Sparks Project build recognition, confidence and strong relationships for the future.

With many years of experience in finance and accountancy, she is passionate about helping people understand their finances, build successful businesses and make informed financial decisions.

Julia joined the Board of Trustees in 2026. Having previously benefited from the charity's support herself, she fully appreciates the significance of having a support group like SPARKS available to those who need it. Presented with the prospect to join the organisation Julia gladly seized the opportunity to give back to the charity and all those it helps, assisting the team in their admirable work supporting people in the local community.

As a Trustee, Julia brings experience in financial management, governance, strategic planning and business development. She is committed to helping ensure the charity remains financially strong and well governed so it can continue making a positive difference to the lives of local people for many years to come.

Outside of work, Julia enjoys spending time with her husband, four children, family and friends, attending concerts, reading and escaping to her beach hut on Scarborough's North Bay whenever she can.