Meet the Board

FOUNDER & PRESIDENT

Mishka Macey

Founder & President | Stark Sensory Center for Neurodiversity

As a mother raising a daughter on the autism spectrum, my commitment to the neurodivergent community is deeply personal. My experiences have shaped my understanding of the importance of inclusion, meaningful support, and creating opportunities where individuals of all abilities can thrive.

I founded Sensory Escape with a vision of creating a welcoming environment where children could play, explore, build connections, and experience a genuine sense of belonging. However, operating the sensory gym gave me a deeper understanding of the challenges facing families in our community. I began to recognize that while inclusive recreational spaces were important, families needed more than a place to play. They needed access to specialized services, early intervention, and coordinated support that could make a lasting difference in their children's development.

That realization inspired the transformation of Sensory Escape from a sensory play center into a pediatric intervention center designed to help bridge gaps in access to developmental and educational services. It was a natural evolution of our original mission—moving beyond providing an inclusive space to addressing the broader needs of the children and families we serve.

Through this journey, I also came to recognize that the need for connection, guidance, and opportunity does not end with childhood. Stark Sensory Center for Neurodiversity was founded to extend that commitment across the lifespan, bringing individuals, families, professionals, and community partners together to strengthen support systems and expand opportunities for meaningful participation.

I believe that our differences are not barriers to connection, but strengths that enrich our communities. My vision for SCN is rooted in collaboration, mutual respect, and a shared responsibility to create a community where neurodivergent individuals are valued, families feel supported, and everyone has an opportunity to belong.

Help shape SCN's future

We are actively recruiting volunteer founding directors with expertise and lived experience. These are open positions, not existing appointments.