Revitalizing Paoli's heart: Restoring the Mineral Springs Hotel; transforming Paoli Town Square into a radiant centerpiece to catalyze community development, creating an inviting destination that inspires, fosters hope, forges unity, and drives economic vitality.
Our Mission
We envision a redeemed Paoli, where the Mineral Springs Hotel stands as a landmark of beauty, warmth, and excellence. By leveraging strategic grants and world-class expertise with integrity and justice, we seek to empower our community talents and local resources to provide a haven of inspiring hospitality, returning the Courthouse Square to its rightful place as a vibrant, life-giving heart of this town we call our home.
Our Vision
Our Values
Redemption
Reimagining the Paoli Town Square, with the Mineral Springs as the centerpiece and catalyst of our community development.
Hope
Igniting a new era of local pride and economic vitality.
Beauty
Restoring historic elegance to inspire every guest who walks through our doors.
Justice
Honoring our roots by prioritizing local talent and resources, as well as treating people fairly in everything we do.
Excellence
Committing to first rate standards in every detail of the restoration.
Integrity
Building a future for our town founded on transparency and doing what’s right.
Community
Strengthening the bonds of kinship and neighborliness to anchor a vibrant town square.
Where the sophistication of luxury stay meets the warmth of a small town. We welcome you by name to a haven that feels like home.
World-Class Hospitality
Meet the Board
Dr. Sean Salés
President
Sean practices full-scope family medicine in Paoli. Medicine is his calling, but his family is his true joy. He and his wife moved to Orange County in 2018, though his family roots run much deeper, tracing back to the pioneers who settled the county in the 1820s. His grandparents also spent their furloughs in West Baden while returning from the mission field. Together, he and his wife are raising two adventure-loving boys on a small farm in Paoli.
He has a passion to see individuals, families, and communities restored and redeemed. He started this project because he wants to see his hometown flourish in every sense of the word. He believes the restored Mineral Springs will be a parable of the restoration that the Lord wants for Orange County as a whole.
He enjoys history, traveling, reading, and spending time with his wife and boys, especially outdoors – hiking, kayaking, and horseback riding. Fun fact: Sean learned to sled while visiting his grandparents at Shepherd's Bethel when he was five.
Sheila Cook
Treasurer
Sheila is a lifelong resident of Orange County and graduated from Paoli High School. She has worked at Espy Services in Bedford for over 20 years, where she currently serves as President. Sheila resides in Orleans and helps serve as the pastor's wife at Lost River Missionary Baptist Church. She enjoys thrifting with her daughter, antiquing with her husband, and riding bikes with her three grandchildren.
Candace Cook-Cline
Candace is an emergency room nurse whose passion for helping others extends far beyond the walls of the hospital. A wife and proud mother of three, Candace enjoys bringing ideas to life through design, community projects, and volunteer efforts that make a lasting impact. Whether she is caring for patients, supporting her family, or leading initiatives that strengthen her community, she approaches every opportunity with heart, purpose, and creativity.
Secretary
Dr. Dwight Stauffer
Dwight Stauffer MD is a retired OB/GYN Physician who lives in Bloomington. After failing retirement in 2013, he continued working as a “substitute doctor” in several communities throughout Indiana and worked as an OB/GYN physician at the IU Health Paoli Hospital from 2015-2023. While there he resided at the Underwood Inn on Gospel Street and through Mike and Judy Underwood, learned about the historic Mineral Springs Hotel and the importance of preserving this Landmark .
Board Member
Dr. George Bell
George, his wife Bree, and their family settled in Orange County in 2011. They began a family dental practice in Paoli, and continue serve the community there with compassion and individualized care. George and his family have put down roots in Orange County. They love the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and homestead life. They are members at Dogwood Community Church, and love serving Jesus with the church family there.
Board Member
Chris Terrell
Chris Terrell is a lifelong resident of Orange County and the owner of Lost River Holdings, LLC. As a dedicated local business owner, commercial developer, and skilled carpenter, he is deeply invested in the physical and economic growth of his hometown. Through his business, Chris focuses on creating and maintaining safe, efficient, and affordable housing solutions that directly support the families and workforce of Southern Indiana.
With a hands-on approach to both carpentry and large-scale development, Chris brings a practical, grounded perspective to community revitalization. His commitment to building a stronger, more resilient Orange County drives his professional endeavors and serves as the foundation for his continued service on the Springs of Hope Board of Directors.
Board Member
Robert Charles
Robert "Rob" Charles is a proud Paoli resident who, along with his wife, Donna, has dedicated his career to serving the Orange County community. With extensive construction knowledge and hands-on experience, Rob provides valuable insight and practical expertise to the Springs of Hope in Paoli Board of Directors. Rob is passionate about investing in the future of his hometown and helping create opportunities that will positively impact the community for generations to come.
Board Member
Dan Smitley
Board Member
Dan Smitley is an Orange County resident and the business owner of Orange County Plumbing, which has proudly served the community for nearly 20 years. Throughout his career, Dan has built a reputation for honesty, hard work, and dependable service while forming lasting relationships with families and businesses across the county. He also currently serves as one of the Elders at Paoli Christian Church where he successfully led the recent effort to recruit a new senior pastor.
His commitment to investing in the local community and supporting initiatives that strengthen Orange County reflects his passion for seeing the area thrive. As a member of the Springs of Hope in Paoli board, Dan brings valuable business and construction experience, practical leadership, and a heart for serving others as the organization works to restore the historic hotel and create lasting community impact.