Parker works with the Earth & Spirit Center facilitating trauma-sensitive mindfulness and nature connection programs across the community while pursuing his Master of Science in Social Work at the University of Louisville. He is passionate about weaving together his interests in accessible mental health, regenerative farming, and ecological justice as a facilitator and social worker.
Parker received his Bachelor’s Degree from George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs in 2015. He is currently pursuing his Master of Science in Social Work at the University of Louisville’s Kent School of Social Work and is expected to graduate in May 2021.
Parker is a Louisville native who returned home to pursue a vocation in social work after living in Washington, DC and abroad. He began a meditation practice while working as a corporate and government consultant in Washington that quickly inspired him to transition to managing farmers’ markets and food access programing throughout the city. After moving from Washington, Parker spent time farming at Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village in France. The experience of living in community, learning about regenerative farming, and facilitating groups of visitors on the farm encouraged him to return to Louisville to weave all of these interests together. He began his Master of Science in Social Work and Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program taught by Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield at the beginning of 2019 and has since developed and facilitated trauma-sensitive mindfulness and nature-based programs throughout the Louisville community for hundreds of participants.