Melissa Holland
OKSLA Executive Director
Melissa is an Oklahoma native growing up in Southwestern Oklahoma. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and began her career in Senior Housing over 20 years ago. Prior to that, Melissa brings experience from privatized student housing; accounting; and serving individuals with disabilities. Through this experience Melissa has had the opportunity to advocate to state legislators; educate the public about Senior Living on TV; Radio and other educational appearances; and gain professional qualifications of running day-to-day company operations. She has been recognized for outstanding facility management; creative marketing skills; meeting company growth goals; and relationship building for both internal and external sales.
In the 11 years as the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Senior Living Association, she has been involved with OKSLA’s National Affiliate Argentum. She serves on the Executive Committee as the Assistant Secretary of the State Partner’s Group; spoke at Argentum’s national convention this year regarding Oklahoma’s referral bill; and attends the public policy fly-in each year to represent our members with State Representatives in Washington DC.
Melissa has been very active on several civic and charitable boards that benefit the Seniors of Oklahoma. Currently, she serves on the Alzheimer-Dementia Disclosure Act Advisory Council that was appointed by the Commissioner of Health. As well as the OSDH Oklahoma Healthy Brain Initiative Council, OKSDH Older Adults Falls Prevention Coalition, and Oklahoma Care Coordination Alliance.
Since 2013, Melissa has had the privilege of training over 500 students who have chosen to become administrators in the assisted living and residential care industry.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband Jim, and 2 grown children. Melissa also enjoys playing fetch with her 2 fur babies Louis & Poppy.
Cindy Vann
Senior Executive Director, Town Village Tulsa Executive Director
Cindy is currently the Senior Executive Director of Town Village since 2019. She oversees the residents’ well-being and ensures their quality, luxury lifestyle. Not only resident focused, Cindy also supports her team by providing them with the critical resources needed to be successful in the day-to-day operations of the community. Cindy has been working in the senior care industry for more than three decades.
Since 2004, she has held an Administrator’s License. Cindy is passionate about the senior living industry, as well as acting as a pioneer for change, leadership, and mentoring others to obtain their full potential. Cindy is currently the Vice Chairman of the Oklahoma Senior Living Association (OKSLA). She also teaches classes for the Oklahoma New Administrators’ course; she serves as the Education Committee Chair for the OKSLA Annual Convention and is a Council member on an action committee for Workforce Oklahoma. She has two children and a grandson. She and her husband enjoy spending time with family, active in church, traveling and discovering unique local restaurants and eating delicious food.
Crystal Haff-Jones RN, BSN
District Director of Operations
Bio coming soon…
Melissa Mahaffey
Senior Living Care Professional & Small Business Owner
Melissa has two decades of health care experience, and has had the opportunity to touch many lives. Mahaffey has held the title of regional manager operating up to nine communities in three adjoining states. Currently, Mahaffey is the executive director of Tealridge Retirement Community, where she oversees all operations of this 166-apartment community for independent living residents.
During her career that has spanned across 4 different decades and over 25 years of health care experience, she has had the opportunity to be apart of building of 2 brand new communities and a host of other building & renovation projects. Her portfolio of experience is very unique. In addition to her operational health care experience, Mahaffey has been the co-owner of several family businesses to include storage facilities, commercial/residential development opportunities in addition to retail sales. She has also done contract consulting work to design the layout and create operational policies for a local tribal elder independent living housing facility. In addition, Mahaffey, has joined the 40 year old family business at various times in her career to gain working knowledge of residential construction and development. Serving in the community, Mahaffey currently serves as a school board member of South Rock Creek Elementary School in Shawnee, OK as well as OKSLA Board Member. She is also a past member of the Oklahoma Baptist University Shawnee Advisory Board, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Master of Health Administration Advisory Board and a board member of the Oklahoma Assisted Living Association.
Mahaffey currently oversees Tealridge Retirement Community operations specifically for the independent living side as well as the sales functions and business office functions for independent, assisted living & memory care. These responsibilities specifically include budget over site for all departments. Keeping all departments within state & federal guidelines. Mahaffey has also been a team member for the OKSLA Assisted Living Administrator Certification Course for the past 8 years where she leads the modules for finance and human resources. She enjoys motivating young leaders by presenting the material in such a way that everyone can participate. Her high energy and "say it like it is personality" keeps audiences guessing as to what will be discovered next. Mahaffey has been invited as a guest motivational and informational speaker for both seniors, caregivers and professional audiences. Her love and advocacy of seniors is evident from the first time you hear her speak.
Jennifer Braun
Executive Director at The Grove at Midtown
Bio coming soon…
Amber Stickles
Activities Director at The Beehive of Glenpool
Amber Stickles graduated from NEO A&M in 2011 with an associate degree in Business Administration. During her time there, she was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Phi Beta Lambda Business Leaders of America.
Amber was introduced to senior living at a young age, as her mother worked as an activity director. She spent school breaks and weekends engaging with seniors at her mother’s workplace, which sparked her passion for the field.
After graduating in 2011, Amber entered the healthcare industry, gaining experience in culinary services, housekeeping, and concierge roles. In 2013, she accepted a Life Enrichment Director position and has never looked back.
Amber is well known in the healthcare industry for developing diverse, engaging programs that cater to all levels of resident involvement. Whether planning a craft, she ensures activities are accessible at various skill levels—beginner, moderate, and advanced. She firmly believes that preparation is the key to successful programs. Being organized before an activity begins prevents disruptions and enhances the overall experience for residents.
Amber has led an activity workshop for OKSLA, hosts quarterly meetings for activity directors to exchange ideas, and teaches classes at other senior communities in the Tulsa area.
Her philosophy is simple: "Take a chance! You are never too old to learn something new." She embraces laughter—both at herself and with others—and encourages joy in every moment.
Arvella McCollom
In 1991, I Graduated from Cameron University with a degree of Bachelor of Business Administration. Soon after graduating from college, I accepted the position of Resource Development Director for a local nursing home in SW Oklahoma. Quickly, I discovered my passion in serving seniors. In June 1994, I became a licensed Nursing Home Administrator and continued in that role with The Evangelical Good Samaritan Society until 2001.
During the summer of 2001, I began serving seniors in the Tulsa area for Baptist Village Communities in Oklahoma. During my time at the Baptist Village of Owasso, I was the Administrator for the LTC facility (Evergreen Care Center) and Assistant Campus Director. Baptist Village Communities of OK were preparing to build and open a new AL and MC in Broken Arrow, OK. In 2009, I accepted position of Campus Director for the Baptist Village of Broken Arrow and continued serving at this community until 2019. In December of 2019, I accepted the position of Residence Director at Green Tree Assisted Living and Memory Care in Sand Springs, Ok and remained the administrator of Green Tree until my retirement in January, 2024.
Serving seniors and their families for over 30 years, has been such a blessing.
Retirement has given me more opportunities to spend time with my five grandchildren, especially watching their sports, and assist in caring for my Mom, who currently resides in an assisted living facility in the Tulsa area.
Niaz Adu, RN-BSN
Co-Owner / Executive Director of Infinite Care Homes
Niaz is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Assisted Living Administrator with over 17 years of experience in healthcare and senior care. Over 12 years of experience in the capacity of nursing leadership and management in various settings including: long term care, assisted living, and acute care.
She enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons. She describes herself as social, friendly and adventurous with a passion for people, travel and learning about and experiencing different countries and cultures.
Providing these care home as an option for seniors in Oklahoma has been a dream come true and a passion project for Niaz.