Heal Orange initiative honors Oklahoma health care professionals
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Media Contact: Kirsi McDowell | Senior Communications Specialist | 405-744-9347 | kirsi@okstate.edu
The Oklahoma State University College of Education and Human Sciences celebrated health care professionals and their important work caring for patients and promoting mental, physical and relational health with an on-court recognition at the OSU men's basketball game against TCU on Feb. 4 in Gallagher-Iba Arena.
The seven selected individuals represent degree programs in areas of nutritional sciences and dietetics, nursing, counseling and counseling psychology. As part of their recognition, they received game tickets, a Heal Orange T-shirt and enjoyed a pregame reception.
With a mix of recent graduates and veterans in the workforce, the honorees have in common a passion for service.
“I love seeing people heal and thrive when they are cared for by not just me, but others on our awesome health care team,” said Arica Lingerfelt, clinical dietician at OSU Medical Center. “It's awesome when we can do a little thing that means a lot to the patient. Their smiling faces are priceless!”
For Licensed Professional Counselor Ashlee Parson, her success is found in making a difference in peoples’ lives.
“I enjoy being able to help others on their mental health journey while also supplying
people with coping strategies and skills to better enrich their lives,” she said.
“It’s the trust and the alliances that are formed that give me great joy in being
a supporter of individuals as I get to be their cheerleader and watch them make progress
in their healing.”
After seven years working at Stillwater Medical Center, David Coates says that it has been an honor to serve as Secondary Registered Nurse for Stillwater Public Schools.
“Simply being there for students, staff and parents — it’s very fulfilling," he said.
Dr. Jon Pedersen, dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences, celebrated with the honorees on Eddie Sutton Court and shared his praise of their important work in our communities.
“We’re proud to prepare students for careers across many health care sectors,” Pedersen said.
“It’s great to connect with alumni and supporters of our programs and be able to personally
thank them for the critical roles they play in creating happy, healthy, balanced lives
for those they serve.”
Heal Orange Honorees
- David Coates, Secondary Registered Nurse, Stillwater Public Schools
- Heidi Gilbert, Registered Nurse and Emergency Department Clinical Educator, Stillwater Medical Center
- Bethany Hamilton, Clinical Dietician, Integris Health
- Dr. Joy Kelley, Psychologist, Liberty Healthcare of Oklahoma
- Arica Lingerfelt, Clinical Dietician, OSU Medical Center
- Ashlee Parson, Licensed Professional Counselor, Integrated Therapy Solutions
- Unique Nacole Pimpton, Registered Nurse, Elara Healthcare
For more information about the College of Education and Human Sciences and the programs that are offered, visit the website.