Meet the SDS Staff

STACEY REYCRAFT

Director

As director of Student Disability Services, I oversee the management of the department, facilitating a departmental culture of shared responsibility, collaborative decision-making, and a strong dedication to access and equity. As a civil rights issue, disability is a university-wide responsibility and I am committed to collaboration with the larger university community on the removal of physical, academic, and social barriers that prevent those with disabilities from fully participating in, and benefiting from, the opportunities available to those who are non-disabled.

I have worked in disability in higher education for 27 years. My professional philosophy is informed by this quote from Nelson Mandela – “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

In addition to working for access at Ole Miss, I am also committed to community, state, and national disability advocacy. I am the founder and past president of the Mississippi Association on Higher Education and recently retired as the long-time chair of the City of Oxford’s Mayor’s Commission on Disability. I served as an advisory board member for the federally-funded organization, Disability Rights Mississippi, which advocates for the legal rights of people with disabilities in the state of Mississippi. I have presented on issues related to disability in higher education at the state, regional, and national levels. I am also certified by the National Alliance on Mental Illness to teach Family to Family classes and facilitate care giver support groups.

Originally from Crested Butte, Colorado, I came to Ole Miss in 1987 to finish my undergraduate degree and fell in love with the University and the Oxford community. I received my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Ole Miss and both of my now adult off-spring also graduated from Ole Miss.

When I am not working, you can find me with my face in a book, surrounded by three fat, sassy cats and an 18 year old, mostly blind, mostly deaf, five pound, love-bug of a dog named Zorro.

RIVERS GILDER

Assistant Director

rhgilder@olemiss.edu

As Assistant Director of Student Disability Services, I assist in the overall daily departmental operations. I develop training to promote access to academic courses and programs; coordinate and implement assessment activities; and provide guidance to Student Disability Services staff. I also supervise the Student Disability Services Testing Center.

Prior to joining Student Disability Services in July, 2023, I spent several years in primary and secondary public education as a Special Education Teacher. I received my Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tennessee and my teaching certification from Teach Mississippi Institute at Ole Miss.

When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. Cooking is a hobby and baking is a form of relaxation that I enjoy but don’t do nearly as often as when my boys were younger. During the Fall, I can be found with my husband and 2 sons in The Grove and at Vaught Hemingway Stadium for Ole Miss Home Football games. Hotty Toddy!

ROBIN YEKAITIS

Access Services Advisor

rtyekait@olemiss.edu

I have worked with college students for over 18 years at two wonderful Mississippi institutions. My work in student affairs began at Mississippi University for Women serving as Testing Coordinator in the Counseling, Career, and Testing Center. I joined Student Disability Services at the University of Mississippi in 2006. As Access Services Advisor, I have the opportunity to assist students in pursuing their academic goals by collaborating with them and faculty to address barriers in their classes. I enjoy meeting with prospective students and their families to help them identify what accommodations may be necessary to provide access to their college courses and navigate the transition from high school to college.

I am active on campus and in our community. I have been a board member in MS AHEAD (state affiliate of the Association on Higher Education and Disability), and I am working with other disability advocates in the state to reactivate this much needed organization. I currently serve on the UM Chancellor’s Standing Committee on Accessibility and the Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues (Oxford, MS).

Currently, I am working on a Master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Personnel.

In my limited free time, I enjoy hanging out with family and friends, cooking, and relaxing on my back porch.

TAMMY RUBENSTEIN

Access Services Advisor

tfrubens@olemiss.edu

I have worked in education for over 22 years. As an Access Services Advisor, I have the opportunity to assist students in pursuing their academic goals. I collaborate with students, parents and faculty to address barriers in the various university environments. I enjoy conducting orientation sessions and meeting parents and students to help navigate the transition from high school to college.

I have a Masters of Special Education from the University of Southern Mississippi in (2005), A Bachelor of Special Education from the University of Southern Mississippi in (1999), and a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Sociology from the University of Mississippi (1992). In addition, I have twenty years teaching experience in the K-12 setting as a special education teacher.

During the fall you can find me in the Grove enjoying Ole Miss Football and in the Spring at Swayze field.

ASHLEY MATHIS

Access Services Advisor

anmathis@olemiss.edu

I joined Student Disability Services as an Access Services Advisor in January 2023. Prior to coming to the University of Mississippi, I worked as a Family Protection Specialist for the Department of Child Protection Service for 4 years. During those years I work to ensure the safety, health and well-being of children all over the state of Mississippi. I also worked to establish permanency with Mississippi’s foster children. Over the years I have worked with many students and families with diverse backgrounds, needs, and disability levels.

I am a graduate of The University of Mississippi with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. I am excited to return to my alma mater to fulfill such an important and inspirational role that will help students reach their greatest achievements.

In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends, family and my dog.

MARY BRIDWELL

Access Services Advisor

mtbridw@olemiss.edu

Mary joined Student Disability Services as an Access Services Advisor in January 2023. Prior to coming to the University of Mississippi, Mary worked as special education teacher for eight years. Her areas of expertise lie in academic and behavioral interventions, individualized accommodations, and special education policies. Over the years she has worked with many students with diverse backgrounds, needs, and ability levels.

Mary attended the University of Mississippi and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Special Education.

In her free time, she enjoys cooking, thrift shopping, and spending time with friends and family.

KENDLE BRUTON

Access Services Advisor

krbruton@olemiss.edu

As an Access Services Advisor, I have the opportunity to assist students in achieving their academic goals by addressing their barriers in various university settings.

I joined Student Disability Services in September 2023. Prior to joining the University of Mississippi, I worked with the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services Offices of Special Disabilities as a Counselor 2. There I assisted individuals with coordination of services which included Personal Care Attendant Services, Environmental Accessibility Adaptions, Transition Assistance, and Respite Care.

I am originally from Indianapolis, IN. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Masters in Human Services. My passion is to assist others achieve their goals and be a positive light when things may seem dim. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family, watching documentaries and horror movies, cooking, and dancing.

TORI LAING

Access Services Advisor

vslaing@olemiss.edu

I joined the Student Disability Services team in 2024.

Prior to coming to the University, I worked as the Inclusion and Accommodations Supervisor at Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks. In this role I specialized in providing accommodations for individuals with developmental disabilities throughout the lifespan.

My expertise and passion lie in developing staff training in topics related to Disability Awareness and Universal Design principles, creating accessible programming, and collaborating with others to ensure equitable and accessible experiences in educational and recreational opportunities.

I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy at East Carolina University and became a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) in 2018.

Over the years I have worked with many individuals of diverse backgrounds and ability levels. I enjoy meeting with students and their families and supporting them in identifying what accommodations may be necessary to access their courses and navigate the transition from high-school to college.

In my free-time I like to spend quality time with the family, hike with my pups, read, crochet and explore historical sites.

JULIE SEAWRIGHT

Coordinator of Communication Access

julies@olemiss.edu

As the Coordinator of Communication Access, I focus on removing barriers and fostering inclusivity for d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, no matter their preferred communication methods. My growing expertise in American Sign Language, captioning, and other communication tools allows me to support students and build connections in meaningful ways.

My journey with ASL began at just nine years old, inspired by my family. My grandmother and aunt, both deaf, communicate using listening and spoken language, gave me a firsthand understanding of the diversity within the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Later in life, my son—born unilaterally deaf—added another personal dimension to my work as an advocate and professional.

I became an ASL interpreter in 2005 after earning my associate’s degree in Interpreting from Hinds Community College. Since then, I’ve worked in K-12 schools, medical settings, and universities. In 2023, I completed a B.S. in Business Administration from Ole Miss, expanding my skills to better serve the communities I work with.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my husband (we’ve been married since 2005!), our two sons, and our furry family members-two dogs and two cats.

JAMES WEIER

Adaptive Technology Specialist

jaweier@olemiss.edu

As the Adaptive Technology Specialist, my primary duties when working with students with disabilities is Assistive Technology training and creating Accessible Format. Some of my other duties include training staff in creating accessible materials, testing University department websites for accessibility issues, accessible web design, and any other duties that may require my experience in accessibility and Universal Design.

Prior to coming to the University of Mississippi, I was the Adaptive Technology Specialist at St. Louis Community College for over 9 years. Also, at that time I owned a small business in IT Consulting and Web Design for over 10 years.

I am originally from Belleville, Illinois and earned a B.S. in Biology from St. Louis University in 1992. In 2002, I received an A.A.S. in Network Technology from Sanford-Brown College.

When I’m not working as an Adaptive Technology Specialist, in my spare time my hobbies include collecting Thundercats memorabilia, computers/networking, collecting Illinois Central N-Gauge trains, astronomy, and hiking when I get a chance.

ASHLEY BREWER

Administrative Coordinator

aebrewer@olemiss.edu

Ashley serves as the Administrative Coordinator of Student Disability Services. Over several years with Rebel Reserve, she gained valuable experience in numerous University departments.

Raised in Tucson, AZ, she earned a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Arizona. Next, she completed a master’s degree in English from The College of William and Mary in Virginia. The chance to teach English to international students took her to Baton Rouge, LA for a few years before she settled in Oxford, where she raised her three children.

Using her university knowledge to help students access educational opportunities is her favorite part of being the Administrative Coordinator for SDS.

In her free time, Ashley channels her creativity into drawing and painting. Her artistic talent has been recognized with grants from both the Mississippi Arts Commission and the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council. Her work has been displayed in various art shows and exhibits in North Mississippi.

BRANDY BACON

Program Coordinator-SDS Testing Center

bnbacon@olemiss.edu

I am a graduate of The University of Mississippi with a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Theatre Arts. While pursuing my degree, I held student positions in Student Housing, Ole Miss Athletics, and Distance Learning at the UM DeSoto Campus. I joined the University as a staff member in August 2013 and began working in the Office of Admissions where I assisted with the Campus Visit Program and Orientation Sessions. In March 2015, I began working in the Department of Human Resources as an HR Assistant in Benefits, Employment, and Compensation.

In May of 2019, I joined Student Disability Services as the Testing Administrator of the SDS Testing Center. As the Testing Administrator, I ensure that tests are administered properly and that students are receiving their approved testing accommodations in an alternative testing environment.