Meet the Team at Spark Consulting!
Have any questions, or simply want to say ‘Hello!’ … Drop us a line here.
You can also learn more about our interests and experiences on the Spark Group blog.
MARY GLADSTONE-HIGHLAND,CFRE
Spark Group Consulting was founded by Mary Gladstone-Highland. Mary is a Certified Nonprofit Professional with seventeen years of experience leading organizations. Mary is a graduate of the Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs at Syracuse University. She holds a Master of Public Administration and a Certificate in Advanced Study in Conflict and Collaboration. She is also a Certified Fund Raising Executive and has raised over $4.5 million for numerous organizations over the past five years. Mary is skilled at analyzing large amounts of information to find creative solutions to complex problems. She strives to use an asset-based approach in every situation.
Christina Wichert, MA
Christina Wichert is a mission-focused nonprofit professional with over a decade of working in multi-cultural environments, and seven years working internationally. She holds a Masters of Arts from American University in Washington DC, with a concentration in International Peace and Conflict Resolution. She also holds a graduate certificate in Sustainable Development from the American University in Cairo, Egypt. Her experience includes delivering conflict analysis, interactive conflict intervention, and facilitating Problem Solving Workshops as a conflict resolution strategy. As well she is skilled in dialogue facilitation; strategic planning for sustainability; and program design, development and evaluation. An avid animal lover, she and her family share their home with three spirited cats, and a large German Shepherd named Obama.
Contributing Consultants
Sonya Luna
Sonya Luna has a graduate certificate in Non-profit Management from Eastern Michigan University. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Social Relations from Kalamazoo College. She has over 12 years of working with the nonprofit sector. She works as the Coordinator of Hispanic/Latino Ministries for the Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church. She was the co-founder of Justice for Our Neighbors-Southeastern Michigan and currently serves on the board of Justice for Our Neighbors-Michigan. She is an Intercultural Development Inventory Qualified Administrator. She has experience in strategic planning, focus conversation, facilitation, translation, grant writing, curriculum development, publicity, program development, fundraising, and volunteer management. She likes to think creatively. Her hobbies include quilting, painting, and art-journaling. She lives in Ypsilanti, Michigan, but also considers Oaxaca, Mexico her home.
Christopher Samp, MPP
Christopher Samp has a certificate in Fundraising Management from the University of Washington and is skilled in donor relations, stewardship, event planning, annual campaigns, and organizational development. He also holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Public Policy from Rochester Institute of Technology. His experience includes working in nonprofit organizations, higher education, and the legislative government. Christopher is passionate about social justice and advocating for people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals, and people of color. In his spare time, he likes to garden, try new recipes from cooking magazines, and do creative crafty things. Additionally, he enjoys meeting new people, volunteering at community events, and spending time with his family and two affectionate furkids.
KATY STOKES, LLMSW
Katy Stokes is a Social Worker with a Master’s degree in macro social work from Wayne State University with a concentration in leadership development. She has over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership roles and is skilled in program development, grant writing, and volunteer management. Katy works as a child and family therapist at Starfish Family Services serving families throughout the Detroit metro area. She has also had a successful career as a musician and holds a Bachelor’s degree in voice performance from Michigan State University. Katy maintains her mental health through a mix of music, Planet Fitness, and the doodles that line the margins of her notebooks.