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

BERNICE SYKES

Administrative Coordinator

bysykes@olemiss.edu

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.

MARY ANN WALSH

Program Coordinator-SDS Testing Center

mawalsh12@olemiss.edu

As program Coordinator of the Student with Disability Services Testing Center, I work with students, faculty and staff to provide an alternate testing environment for all SDS Students. It is a campus wide testing center located in Kinard Hall.

I have worked in higher education throughout my career while taking time to be at home raising two children. I have worked in the Dean of Students Office, the Patterson School of Business and the College of Liberal Arts at the University before recently moving to Student Disability Services. I have a Master’s Degree in Higher Education-Student Personnel from OleMiss.

BRANDY BACON

Testing Administrator-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.