Meet Chairwoman Paula Lewis
Public School Champion and Mental Health Advocate
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Growing up in Lawton as the child of a single mother, Paula learned the value of perseverance and education early on. Determined to break new ground, she became the first in her family to graduate from college, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Southwest Missouri State University. Paula furthered her education with an Occupational Therapy degree from OUHSC in 1994 and later an MBA, blending her passion for healthcare with entrepreneurial acumen.
As a successful entrepreneur, Paula co-owns Quest Pediatric Therapy, where she integrates her extensive experience in outpatient therapy with her business skills. Her 30-year career has spanned pain management, work injuries, and pediatrics – reflecting her dedication to improving the lives of others. Paula's active involvement in OKOTA and AOTA, along with her contributions as an adjunct instructor at OCCC and OUHSC, underscores her commitment to her profession and community.
Paula's personal experiences have profoundly shaped her professional life and public service journey. Her family's challenges, particularly her son Hunter's learning difficulties rooted in early trauma, inspired her to run for the OKCPS school board. Through first-hand experience, Paula understands the issues many students face today, including the critical need for mental wellness support. Her discovery of Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) has driven her advocacy for policies that prioritize students' mental health and developmental needs.
During her 8+ year tenure on the school board, Paula has championed numerous initiatives, including the Embrace OKC initiative, Bond 2022, and the Equity and Non-Discrimination Policy. Her leadership has focused on mental wellness, transparency, and stability within the school system, ensuring that every student can thrive.
Paula's successes on the board have made a significant impact, and she is running for re-election to follow through on these achievements and keep the momentum going for OKCPS. Going forward, her top issue will be working with new leadership to tackle chronic absenteeism and get our kids excited about attending school.