Our History

Thunderbird Clubhouse was established in 1990 as a program of Central Oklahoma Community Mental Health Center in Norman, Oklahoma. The original director, Nancy Carver was instrumental in creating the Clubhouse culture in the beginning stages. Pam Sanford soon took over as executive director, and under her 21 years of leadership,  the Clubhouse outgrew the space provided and moved to several different locations in Norman.

In 2000, Thunderbird Clubhouse was given the opportunity to apply for and was successful in securing a contract with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. This contract enabled the Clubhouse to strike out on its own and become a free-standing Clubhouse and non-profit. On December 7, 2000, Thunderbird Clubhouse opened its doors as Oklahoma’s second free-standing Clubhouse. In 2001, Clubhouse received its first certification from Clubhouse International, the accrediting body for Clubhouses worldwide. We are proud to say that we have maintained Clubhouse International accreditation since that date.

When the Clubhouse became a free-standing agency, the next goal was to own land and a new facility. That dream became a reality when we broke ground on December 4, 2007. On September 1, 2009, we moved into our new facility on Triad Village Drive. Since that date, we have grown our membership to over 900 members with an active daily attendance of over 40! 

Our Mission & Vision Statement

Our mission is creating a new future for adults recovering from mental illness through the positive power of meaningful work, community, choice, and hope.

Our vision is that all people with mental illness experience a community of recovery.

Our Staff

Matt Fletcher
Staff Generalist

Callan Grider-Gonzalez
Staff Generalist

Erica Woods
Lead Housing Case Manager

Deanna Wilds
Staff Generalist

Elliot Springer
Employment Specialist

Chris Nava
Staff Generalist

Heidi Smith
Dir of Operations

Board of Directors

2023-2024

Jequita Napoli
President

Sarah Hall
Vice President

Jana Atkins
Treasurer

Mary Cornelson
Secretary

Leah Gatlin
Board Member

Cpt Shawn Hawkins
Board Member

Frank Mayes
Member Board Member

Kathy Pate
Member Board Member

Melanie Reese
Board Member

Tara Reynolds
Board Member

Irfan Altaf
Board Member

Thank You to Our Community Partners

Steve Owens and Family

Our Financials

Transparency in the use of donated funds is an important practice.

Our 990’s are available at Guidestar by Candid.  Go here for more information.

Contact Us!

1251 Triad Village Drive
Norman, OK 73071

(405) 321-7331
info@thunderbirdclubhouse.org