Directors & Education Staff

Natalie Wood, Director

Hometown: Nowata

A Little About Me:

I recently moved back to my hometown of Nowata with my husband and two year old daughter to be closer to family. While my background is in non-profit management, I currently work as the Contract Admin for Disan Engineering. This role allows me to work directly with the FAA and Department of Defense on projects that support the warfighter. I attended OSU and graduated with a bachelors of science in multimedia journalism and strategic communications. I am a proud Kappa Delta Alumna!

Fun Fact About Me: I am a photographer and event decorator on the side!

Favorite Part About Girls State: All of it! But if I had to pick, I love witnessing the excitement the delegates experience through campaigning, running for office and being in community with each other.

Jennifer Shaw, Director Emeritus

Hometown: Duncan

A Little About Me:

Went to Duncan HS

Attended college at SWOSU and majored in accounting After undergrad, I then attended the OU College of Law I am the Executive Director for the Public Investors Advocate Bar Association (PIABA)

Fun Fact About Me:

I have two adorable dogs, Bella and Maddie

Favorite Part About Girls State: Getting to spend time with the amazing staff.

Delaney Nisbett, Election Coordinator

Hometown: Oklahoma City

A Little About Me:

Graduated from OSU with a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Accounting

Certified Public Accountant and work at a public accounting firm (KPMG) as a Senior Audit Associate mainly in the healthcare industry

Fun Fact About Me:

Love learning new things constantly.

Love being able to challenge myself and teach myself new skills, including crochet and knit. I have knit many large blankets and have crocheted shirts, socks, and even a stuffed bunny last year while at Girls State

Favorite Part About Girls State:

I love the people. Each year I get to catch up with old friends while also making new ones. I love getting to see the different walks of life people are in and getting to meet women from all across our state.

I also love watching the delegates each year grow to be more confident and outstanding ladies. Girl State really does change people each and every year and makes us stronger more united women!

Candace Coonrod, Education Staff

Hometown: Enid

A Little About Me:

Currently reside in OKC Graduated from OU with a degree in Journalism and an emphasis in Public Relations

Work for the Oklahoma City Thunder as the Game

Presentation and Entertainment Coordinator

Fun Fact About Me:

My coworker is Rumble T. Bison!

Favorite Part About Girls State: I enjoy seeing all of my friends and meeting new people.

Bailey Warren, Education Assistant

Hometown: Norman

A Little About Me:

Moved to OKC a few years ago!

I’m an Assistant Attorney General

Fun Fact About Me:

Lol my initials are BMW

Favorite Part About Girls State: I absolutely LOVE getting to see everyone and hang out for an entire week with them!!

Jackie Crawford, Assistant Director

Hometown: Jones

A Little About Me:

Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from OU Animal Ambassador Coordinator for the OKC Zoo. I care for and train the animals that go out into the zoo and interact with our guests.

Fun Fact About Me: I raised baby flamingos for four years.

Favorite Part About Girls State:

Seeing women supporting women. This week always leaves everyone feeling so empowered. I love seeing how nervous and quiet everyone is in the beginning and by the end they all leave as best friends.

Tracey Smith, Dorm Mom/Store

A Little About Me: Rating Board Specialist with the Veterans Administration

Fun Fact About Me: I was a Flight Attendant right after I graduated college.

Favorite Part About Girls State: Seeing all these wonderful young ladies and getting to see what they are going to do in the future

Pasty Chinn, Store Manager

Hometown: Claremore

A Little About Me:

Retired as an Executive Administrative Assistant

Certified as an Opoid Awareness Educator and Tai Chi for Better Balance Instructor

Veterans advocate for over 30 years & lifetime member of American Legion Auxiliary

Fun Fact About Me: Music is a major outlet for me as well as cooking sewing and reading. In 2010, I presented a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider in Arlington

Favorite Part About Girls State: Spending time with the Staff and the Citizens. It is so awesome to observe young ladies blossom from being shy introverts into vibrant, confident leaders.

LaVenia Boutwell

, Music Director

Hometown: Tyler, Texas

A Little About Me:

Moved to Kingfisher in 4th grade

Play the piano and organ for the Kingfisher Nazarene Church & the Rotary

Love spending time with my grandkids

Fun Fact About Me: Worked for an attorney for 23 years

Favorite Part About Girls State: Love being with all of the delegates and staff

Geralyn Haney, Demke City & Media Junior Counselor

Hometown: Holdenville

A Little About Me:

Recently graduated from Stuart HS Plan to attend Eastern Oklahoma State College, obtain an Associate’s Degree in Mass Communications, and play collegiate softball

Fun Fact About Me:

I’m ambidextrous, meaning I can use both my right and left hand for different tasks!

Favorite Part About Girls State: Meeting new people and surprisingly, singing!