Neuro Challenge Foundation Staff

Chief Executive Officer

Robyn Faucy is honored to serve as the Executive Director of the Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson's. The Foundation is dedicated to providing education, support and information to persons affected by Parkinson’s Disease and their caregivers. Robyn has held leadership roles with American Cancer Society, Sylvan Learning Centers, and most recently the Education Foundation of Sarasota County.

Robyn comes to the organization with an impressive mix of academics, leadership and organizational leadership that includes fundraising, capacity-building, and synergistic partnership development. She is a member of the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce’s 2016 Leadership Sarasota program. Outside of work Robyn enjoys being near the water, living an active lifestyle and spending time with her loved ones. Her greatest accomplishment and pride and joy is her 15 year old son Armando who is, in her words, her athletic scholar.

Program Director

Carisa has had the privilege of being part of the Neuro Challenge Foundation team for over six years. She helped develop Parkinson's programs in South Sarasota and Charlotte Counties as a Care Advisor and currently oversees all Neuro Challenge Foundation programs and services in her new role as Program Director. Carisa is committed to responding to the needs of our community and helping people with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers live strong and empowered lives. Carisa believes regular exercise can benefit everyone, and enjoys beach walking, biking outside and Spinning classes.

Office Manager

Traci joined the Neuro Challenge Foundation team in 2018 as the Office Manager. Prior to this appointment she worked at a large non-profit in event and volunteer management. She brings administrative skills as well as fundraising experience to the NCF team. She is excited to be part of this team and be able to support the Parkinson’s community.

In her spare time Traci enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter and growing family. She enjoys seeing her many nieces and nephews and taking family vacations with them to Walt Disney World.

Care Advisor

Chelsea joined the Neuro Challenge Foundation in 2019 as Care Advisor for south Sarasota and Charlotte counties. Chelsea received a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida and a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of South Florida. She brings with her several years of experience working with seniors and caregivers in our community. Prior to her appointment as Care Advisor, Chelsea spent several years as a Long Term Care Case Manager for a nation wide insurance company and as a Resident Relations Coordinator for a family owned assisted living facility.

As a native of Sarasota, Chelsea is excited to bring her talents and experience to this amazing organization. In her spare time Chelsea enjoys volunteering with Tidewell Hospice, camping, family trips to Disney World and spending time with her husband, daughter and extended family.

Care Advisor

Prior to joining Neuro Challenge as a Care Advisor, Ellen’s spent over thirty years as a physical therapist. She began her career at Sarasota Memorial Hospital and most recently, managed the rehabilitation services department at a life care community outside Chicago.

Ellen’s career has been dedicated to gerontology and helping others achieve wellness through her positive can do attitude.

In her spare time, Ellen plays in the handbell choir and enjoys tap dancing. She is also a Deacon and Stephen Ministry Leader at her church.

Care Advisor

Cindy is the Care Advisor for Manatee and Pinellas County. Prior to her being appointed Care Advisor she served as the Director of Volunteer Services and Community Outreach at JFCS of the Suncoast in Sarasota. Cindy brings both non-profit and healthcare experience to the NCF team. She served in the AmeriCorps and is a Red Cross Disaster Volunteer and a FEMA Reservist.

In her spare time, she helps manage her son’s soccer & track team and enjoys running, biking and swimming.

Development Director

Mary Jo brings a passion for nonprofit service and decades of fundraising experience to The Neuro Challenge Foundation as the organization's first Development Director.

Drawing on her years as a nonprofit leader, Mary Jo connects The Foundation to community members and corporate philanthropists who will invest in and support our mission, making progress and lasting change for people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers.

Prior to joining The Neuro Challenge Foundation, Mary Jo held local and national senior development positions with The Circus Arts Conservatory, Children’s Miracle Network, Freeman Healthcare Foundation, The National Association of Manufacturers and The Metropolitan Economic Development Association.

She attended Florida State University and Missouri Southern State University, is an alumna of Leadership Minneapolis, a member of The Association of Fundraising Professionals and serves as an Advisory Board member for The Life of Riley Foundation. She is the mother of two college students, enjoys travelling with her family and recently discovered a new passion for growing orchids.