MEET THE FOUNDERS

Eric Myricks

As Co-Founder and Chairman of The Elijah Rock Foundation Inc., Eric Myricks, also known as Elijah Rock, is an accomplished award-winning performing artist and brain health advocate. He is a Senior Atlantic Fellow at the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) at UCSF and Trinity College Dublin. Alongside his efforts to build a strong dementia-friendly community in Boise, ID, Eric is committed to innovative recruitment strategies for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD) clinical trials, with a focus on underserved populations through collaborations with philanthropic organizations and pharmaceutical companies. Driven by a profound passion for brain and mental health, Eric leverages his talents and philanthropic spirit to advance the fields of Arts, Science, Technology, Health, and Humanities, making a lasting impact.

Global Brain Health Institute

Artist Website

Lesley Myricks

As Co-Founder, Vice President and Executive Director of The Elijah Rock Foundation Inc., Lesley brings a wealth of experience to the field of senior living, having worked in various roles throughout her career. Her journey began with a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course at the age of 16, and since then, she has held positions such as Medication Tech, Unit Secretary, Concierge, Marketing Director and Executive Director. Her unwavering appreciation for the relationships she has cultivated throughout the years fuels her relentless drive to foster meaningful connections and eagerly embrace new ones on the horizon.

OUR BOARD MEMBERS

Michelle Sayles, BSN, RN, CDP, CPRS

Michelle Sayles, BSN, RN, CDP, CPRS is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Gentle Hearts Living Solutions, bringing over 20 years of experience in healthcare to her leadership role. As a BSN-trained registered nurse, Michelle has dedicated her career to serving others, from emergency and trauma care to hospice and senior care. Her personal journey into senior care was inspired by her own family experiences, motivating her to help others navigate the complexities of aging with compassion and clarity. Now serving on the board of the Elijah Rock Foundation, Michelle continues her mission of service by contributing her healthcare expertise and leadership to initiatives that benefit underserved communities. Her strong Christian faith drives her dedication to helping others and making a lasting impact.

Nicholas Sayles, BSN, RN

Nicholas Sayles, BSN, RN is the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Gentle Hearts Living Solutions, a senior placement and referral agency dedicated to helping families navigate the complexities of senior care. A BSN-trained registered nurse, Nicholas combines his clinical expertise with his passion for business leadership to serve the needs of vulnerable populations. His commitment to service extends to his role with the Elijah Rock Foundation, where he leverages his experience in both healthcare and non-profit sectors to support initiatives that empower and uplift communities in need. Grounded in Christian values, Nicholas is dedicated to making a meaningful impact through compassion-driven leadership and strategic support.

Shri Noel, MD

Dr. Shri Noel is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Case Western Reserve University. She obtained her Medical Degree, marked by induction into the Gold Humanism Honor Society, from SUNY Upstate Medical University. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, NY. Following residency, she served as an Instructor of Clinical Medicine for the Primary Care Network at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, contributing as a Faculty Mentor and Preceptor. With a keen focus on preventative health, Dr. Noel provided compassionate care to patients in both in-person and telemedicine settings. Her commitment to lifestyle interventions led her to launch a successful wellness coaching business. Currently residing in the DC area with her family, Dr. Noel continues to pursue her passion for promoting health and well-being through lifestyle and behavioral adjustments.

Marcus Noel, MD

Dr. Marcus S. Noel is a fellowship-trained, board-certified medical oncologist at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. He is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Department of Medicine and director of the Clinical Trials Office at the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. He specializes in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers. His research efforts focus on novel drug development for pancreatic cancer. He has led several clinical trials evaluating new therapies for the treatment of advanced gastrointestinal cancer. Dr. Noel also serves as the institutional principal investigator for the Alliance Cooperative Group at Lombardi. He is passionate about addressing health disparities and is committed to delivering equitable care for all patients.

Cash Edwards

Cash is a seasoned leader in the home care industry with over 25 years of experience dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families in need. A devoted husband to Scarlett and father to five children, Cash’s life is deeply rooted in faith, family, and community. Beyond his professional achievements, he actively mentors as a high school wrestling coach at Meridian High School and participates in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, blending spirituality and sports to inspire young athletes. With a visionary approach to holistic, client-centered care, Cash has excelled in every role within the home care industry, setting a standard of excellence and compassion. In his free time, he enjoys wrestling, rugby, golf, fly fishing, and snowboarding, pursuits that reflect his competitive spirit and love for the outdoors. Guided by Christian values and a passion for service, Cash continues to make a profound impact in his work and community.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

Essential partnerships between non-profits, philanthropic organizations, government, and enterprise improve humanity by addressing critical societal challenges. Charitable non-profits play a vital role in promoting a just, equitable, and prosperous global society and economy. The effectiveness of charitable non-profits in achieving their missions and positively impacting communities is dependent on their capacity to deliver results.

WHO WE SERVE

The Elijah Rock Foundation Inc. serves individuals and families worldwide who are affected by aging-related brain disorders such as dementia, as well as those impacted by brain dysfunction resulting from sports-related trauma and other causes.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Our philosophy is founded on the belief that the transformative power of music and the arts can be harnessed to promote brain health and wellness, leading to a world where individuals can thrive in every stage of life.