Mark Jackson,
Executive Director
Mark Jackson is a dynamic and results-driven C-suite executive with 27 years of leadership experience in the healthcare industry and a strong track record across multiple sectors. As a strategic leader, Mark excels at building collaborative partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders, aligning organizational vision with operational execution.
He has successfully led high-performing teams through complex project development and management initiatives, consistently delivering measurable results. Mark is data-informed in his decision-making, utilizing key metrics to set, track, and achieve strategic goals. His leadership style emphasizes accountability, innovation, and mission-driven outcomes—making him well-suited for the role of Executive Director.
Britney Charles, PHR
Human Resources Director
Brittney Charles oversees all aspects of Human Resources, including talent acquisition, onboarding, employee relations, compensation, employee engagement, benefits administration, and the development and implementation of policies and procedures. With over 10 years of HR experience, she brings a well-rounded and strategic approach to supporting both employees and organizational goals.
Brittney holds a Bachelor of Health Science degree in Radiation Therapy from Washburn University and is a Certified Professional in Human Resources.
Outside of work, Brittney enjoys spending quality time with her husband and two children. She also loves traveling, baking, and supporting her kids in their extracurricular activities.
Jennifer Blalock,
Operations & Advancement Manager
Jennifer Blalock has been a valued member of Palmer since August 2017. With a strong administrative background, she has supported the organization in a variety of roles and now oversees the agency’s administrative systems and overall workflow. In addition, she plays a key role in supporting fundraising efforts and donor communications, helping to strengthen Palmer’s community engagement and mission impact.
Jennifer is known for her strong work ethic, can-do attitude, and willingness to embrace new challenges. She approaches every task—no matter the size—with a spirit of excellence and dedication to continuous growth.
She lives in Chouteau with her husband and is the proud mother of three adult children and grandmother to three grandchildren.
Kristen Blansett MHR, LADC, LPC
Residential Program Director
Kristen Blansett has been with Palmer since 2015, serving in various leadership roles including Clinical Supervisor and Director of Outpatient Counseling. She now leads Palmer’s 52-bed residential treatment program for women and children, bringing compassion, structure, and dedication to a critical area of care.
With a background in counseling within the juvenile justice system, Kristen is well-equipped to manage complex and demanding programs. Her experience has shaped her thoughtful, steady approach to supporting both clients and staff.
Kristen has two adult children and enjoys traveling—especially to the beach, where she finds rest and inspiration.
Chris Peek, MS, LPC
Residential Clinical Director
Chris Peek earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (2008) and Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology (2011), both from Oklahoma State University. Throughout her career, she has worked with individuals experiencing chronic and severe mental illness in a variety of settings—including community mental health agencies, private practice, and city correctional departments.
Chris first joined Palmer in February 2016, serving in several roles including clinician, supervisor, and director. After stepping away in December 2020, she returned to Palmer in September 2023. She finds great fulfillment in mentoring emerging therapists and leading a collaborative clinical team. Chris enjoys partnering with key residential departments—such as nursing, medical records, childcare, and behavioral health technicians—to provide strength-based, client-centered care. Her focus is on empowering families affected by substance use and mental health challenges to achieve lasting stability and growth.
Outside of her professional role, Chris enjoys attending Oklahoma State University games, spending time with her husband and their five grown children, playing and watching sports, and participating in Tulsa community events and Native cultural gatherings.
Elodie Birdwell, LCSW
OP Program Development & Community Engagement Director
Elodie Birdwell brings over 26 years of experience in the helping profession, working with a diverse range of populations—from adolescents to individuals with developmental disabilities, as well as community-based services. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Relations from Oklahoma State University in 2000 and went on to receive her Master of Social Work from the University of Oklahoma in 2015.
Elodie has since worked in both school-based settings and private practice as an independent therapist. Her passion lies in supporting teenagers and young adults, and much of her training and expertise is centered around the unique challenges they face.
Elodie is married with two children and a lively household full of animals. She enjoys watching her kids ride dirt bikes, hiking with her family and dogs, and engaging in tabletop gaming.
Jesus Saldivar, MHR, LADC
Outpatient Administrative & Clinical Director
Jesus Saldivar is a dedicated and compassionate bilingual (Spanish) Drug and Alcohol Counselor with 14 years of experience, including 12 years at Palmer Continuum of Care. He provides compassionate, client-centered treatment for both adolescents and adults, grounded in the belief that every person has a story, purpose, and the capacity for change and healing when given the right support.
Before joining Palmer, Jesus worked for an outpatient, home-based mental health agency as a Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Specialist, helping children and adolescents with behavior modification and social skills development. He earned his Master’s Degree in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma in 2011 and completed the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) track.
Jesus and his wife, Deanna Saldivar—Childcare Supervisor at Palmer’s Tulsa Women & Children’s Center—enjoy life as recent empty nesters to their blended family of six adult children. They are active in their church and community, where they lead small groups and participate in a two-year ministry and leadership development program.
Outside of work, Jesus enjoys spending time with his large extended Hispanic family, watching college football and boxing, grilling, swimming, and relaxing with a good movie.
