ABOUT
OUR STORY
Our vision for The Well and the reason we included it in the master plan is to make residents of Cleveland County the healthiest and happiest they can be. When the community approved the plan, we traveled the country looking at places that are successful at bringing together health resources, community classes, and events that everyone wants to be a part of.
From that time and research, we developed a plan for an inclusive hub that brings together health, wellness, and knowledge to residents and visitors of Cleveland County.
OUR MISSION
Cleveland County Wellness Square exists to make Cleveland County the healthiest and happiest it can be. We will provide access, education, programs, events, and activities to all residents to make this goal a reality.
Melody Bays
An MSW graduate from the University of Oklahoma, Melody joined the Cleveland County Health Department in 2018 after working in various roles in the public health world, such as the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, and the Department of Rehabilitation Services. Her passion as an MSW stems from advocating for equity and a desire to help folks obtain the quality of life they deserve. Outside of her work for The Well, she currently serves on boards for the Oklahoma Public Health Association and Food and Shelter for Friends.
Fun Fact: Although raised in ranching life, Melody is 100% Persian and speaks fluent Farsi!
Kate Cooper
After opening the Pauls Valley Farmers Market and running her own farm for three years, Kate experienced the ins and outs of how much work goes into our food and how undervalued farmers are. She strives to support new farmers, educate the community, and create the best possible farmers market in the state. Outside of her work for the Norman Farm Market, Kate is also working on her Master’s in counseling at Mid-America Christian University.
Fun Fact: Aside from Kate’s other farming ventures, she’s also been in charge of in-home military daycares, bookkeeping, and a farm consulting business!
Tara Douglas
Tara joined The Well team after working for the Cleveland County Health Department as their Health Education Supervisor and PIO for 7 years. Prior to her work in Cleveland County, she obtained her Masters of Public Health in Health Administration and Policy from the OU College of Public Health and worked in the nonprofit sector for 2 years at the Cavett Kids Foundation. What she loves most about working in her industry is the opportunity to touch the lives of people in all demographics throughout the span of their lives and ensuring that everyone has the resources and opportunities they need to live a healthier happier one. Aside from her work on The Well, Tara is also a member of the Oklahoma Public Health Association and Norman Next, serves on the Pioneer Library System Board of Trustees, is a graduate of the Oklahoma Public Health Leadership Institute and Leadership Mid America, and featured in the National Institutes of Health’s health literacy publication.
Fun fact: Tara loves anything to do with the outdoors and is a certified open water diver!
Charlie Neely
After serving as an Army Field Artillery Officer for 23 years, Charlie has joined the Cleveland County The Well team as the Veteran’s Service Coordinator. As an Army officer, his top priority is making sure that his soldiers are taken care of. In his current position, he can help veterans navigate their way to the programs that can best benefit them. Charlie holds a Master of Strategic Studies from the US Army War College, the premier senior officer university for Army and other service branch officers, and is currently working towards becoming an accredited Veteran’s Administration Veteran Service Officer through the Norman American Legion. He is a passionate advocate for continued support, empathy, and care for veterans, even once out of the service.
Fun Fact: Charlie’s dream is to figure out how to conduct business while driving a golf cart and improving his handicap….
Our Story
Melody Bays
Kate Cooper
Tara Douglas
Charlie Neely
Volunteer
Are you interested in providing volunteer services so our healthy living block is the best it can be for Cleveland County residents and visitors?