Healthy Living OKC Staff

Our staff is composed of individuals who are passionate about fitness, wellness, and a healthy lifestyle. 

Debra McTaggart
Administrative Assistant
Debra McTaggart
Administrative Assistant

Debra retired in 2019 after 50 years of working for several Fortune 100 companies in various roles of finance, health insurance, and Human Resources/Learning & Development including management positions. She came to HLOKC offering to volunteer, but when we learned of her career expertise and experience, we convinced her to come out of retirement! She has volunteered with many organizations like the Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, local food banks, and a board member/treasurer of her homeowners’ association. Most recently she has become a certified volunteer trainer for the Family To Family program offered by the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Claire Dowers-Nichols
Executive Director
Claire Dowers-Nichols
Executive Director

Claire has spent her career developing programs to better serve older Oklahomans. Most recently, she spent seven years at the University of Oklahoma Department of Geriatric Medicine, where she co-founded the Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative. Prior to her work at OU, she served as the Community Relations Director for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Aging Services. Claire serves in a variety of leadership and advisory roles for state and national organizations and is devoted to making her community an ideal place for active adults.

Cheryl Swanson
Program Director
Cheryl Swanson
Program Director

Cheryl Swanson graduated with a BFA from Phillips University. She has worked in the art field for over 40 years. Her main passion is to help others discover their own creative self. Her accomplishments include:• Recipient of the Governor’s Arts and Education Award• Selected as Oklahoma Teaching Artist with the Oklahoma Arts Council• Honored for establishing the Leonardo’s Children’s Museum in Enid, OK

Mistie Curtis
Business Manager
Mistie Curtis
Business Manager

Originally from St. Louis MO, Mistie moved to Lawton, OK to care for a loved one and decided to make Oklahoma City her home. Since moving to Oklahoma, she has worked in several fields, but most notably she has worked in home health most of her career. Also, becoming franchise owner of a local janitorial business catering to commercial properties. After selling her business, Mistie joined the Healthy Living OKC team, and her business background makes her a natural fit as our Business Manager.

Susie Houston
Volunteer Coordinator/Community Relations
Susie Houston
Volunteer Coordinator/Community Relations

Susie brings 30 years of sales experience to HLOKC, As a Territory Manager, she called on retailers in Oklahoma and West Texas and was in the Top Ten in her company many years running. Susie loves working with Healthy Living OKC Volunteers and visiting with our members. She raised 2 boys and has 7 grandchildren that she enjoys spending time with, along with her Bichon dog, Coco.

Irene Brooks
Fitness Coordinator
Irene Brooks
Fitness Coordinator

BA in art from CSU, retired AT&T, ACE Fitness certified. Favorite class to teach is kickboxing and weight training.

Linda Burgett
Art Coordinator
Linda Burgett
Art Coordinator

Linda holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern Illinois University, minoring in business. In the 1990's she owned and operated Willow Works, Inc. which was a major contributor to the OKC Bombing Memorial. In addition, she has over 25 years of experience working in marketing, advertising, branding and development for large nonprofits including the American Cancer Society and Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma. After retiring she began volunteering for HLOKC as a glass artist instructor until joining our staff in June 2022 as the Art Coordinator. She loves helping members discover (or rediscover) their creative talents!

Mike McMahon
Training Coordinator
Mike McMahon
Training Coordinator

National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified. CPT Strength Conditioning, Endurance, Flexibility, Balance. Behavioral Change Specialist. Overcoming Mental and Physical Challenges. Weight-Loss Specialist, Nutrition Instruction. CPR Certified.

Clint Johnson
Facilities Manager
Clint Johnson
Facilities Manager

LeRoy Suggs
Facilities Coordinator
LeRoy Suggs
Facilities Coordinator

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