Redefining Mental Health Innovation Through Translational Research
Our Approach
Real-World Research That Reflects Real Lives
We provide customized project management and data collection services to support investigators and frontline mental health providers—streamlining the research process while ensuring accuracy, integrity, and relevance.
Mapping the Natural History of Complex Disorders
We focus on capturing the natural history of neuroimmune psychiatric conditions to understand how these disorders evolve over time—through the lens of multiple specialties and systems.
Structuring Data for Deeper Insight
By standardizing data across settings, we enable cross-disciplinary collaboration and generate meaningful insights into disease mechanisms, progression, and points for intervention.
The Result?
More precise science, stronger care models, and more effective treatments for people with complex psychiatric illness.
Meet the Team
Mary Sparks, Principal & Founder
Founder's Perspective
I started Sparks Healthcare Solutions after witnessing firsthand how the healthcare system routinely fails individuals with complex autoimmune and mental health challenges. As a parent, advocate, and professional, I saw the same story play out across different settings: families left to navigate fragmented systems, providers unsupported, and too many children showing early signs of serious mental illness—without enough qualified professionals ready to help.
These personal and professional experiences brought me to a simple but urgent truth: science, clinical practice, and society must work together if we’re going to fix what’s broken.
My background spans clinical research management, program development, advocacy, and entrepreneurship. I’ve led strategic initiatives at major academic medical centers, managed multi-million-dollar research portfolios, and overseen both clinical and educational programs. I’ve supported school-based mental health research at Dearborn Academy, led IRB submissions and grant strategy, and worked with startups to secure venture funding, form partnerships, and build out scalable business models.
This cross-sector experience has given me a rare vantage point. I’ve seen how disconnected our systems have become—and how much is lost in the space between research, care, and real life. It’s what drives my commitment to helping mental health professionals, researchers, and innovators work together to build something better.
Joe Wizda, Software Architect
Joe Wizda brings a rare blend of technical expertise and creative problem-solving to Sparks. As a software engineer and architect, he has developed and scaled high-traffic platforms, including Catalina HUB360—used by brands like Kraft, Walgreens, and Nestlé—while ensuring data security and GDPR compliance.
His experience spans software design, API management, and customer engagement optimization, with a focus on making complex systems seamless for end users. As a Release Train Engineer (RTE) and Scrum Master, Joe fosters cross-team collaboration and drives measurable results through Agile methodologies.