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I A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 V O L U M E 7 , I S S U E 3
T H E R A M B L E R
August 27-29,
2014
The Hilton
County Line Rd,
Jackson
Lindsey A. Nebeker
Human, International Presenter, Autism
Self-Advocate, Pianist/Composer,
Photography Enthusiast, Writer, and
Activist of Unconditional Love
Come hear Lindsey along with many others in the field
of rehabilitation . You will be glad you did!!
Page 2 A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 V O L U M E 7 , I S S U E 3
RAM President’s Letter
My letter for this issue of your RAM newsletter is going to be short and sweet since we need the space
for campaigning. Please make sure to read all the biographical sketches on the candidates we have
included for your review. We have an excellent list of candidates so you need to carefully study their
qualifications to make an informed choice. Absentee voting will be addressed in a separate email. Good
luck to everyone!
Thank you for your continued support of your RAM Board!
Cindy Goodin
2014 RAM President
RAM Treasurer’s Report
RAM collaborated with the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Mississippi
Association of Disability Examiners to help raise funds for residents in several counties impacted by
the April 28th tornadoes. Members of RAM contributed their time and talents to the fundraising
efforts while RAM made direct contributions for supplies and materials to kick off the fundraising
event.
Money Received ~ $13, 514.90. Deposits included RAM Golf Tournament registration, RAM
Conference vendor deposits, RAM Conference attendee registrations, and
NRA Membership rebate.
Money Spent~ $1,732.10. Expenditures included RAM Conference speaker gifts, assistance
toward disaster relief fundraising event, RAM banner, RAM Conference
CRCC applications, and RAM Conference attendee giveaways.
RAM Members Encouraged to Participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), and all members of the Rehabilitation
Association of Mississippi (RAM) are encouraged to participate. The purpose of NDEAM is to educate
about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers
with disabilities.
Held annually, NDEAM is led by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy
(ODEP), but its true spirit lies in the many observances held at the grassroots level across the nation every
year. Employers of all sizes and in all industries are encouraged to participate in NDEAM.
If you have any specific ideas about how RAM mem-
bers can support NDEAM, please email your 2014 RAM President, Cindy Goodin, at [email protected]. Regardless of how we recognize NDEAM, remember that all of
us play an important part in fostering a more inclusive workforce, one where every person is recognized for his or
her abilities — every day of every month.
Jason and his band will be playing at the Hilton during our conference. Jason’s wife,
Jodi is a strong supporter of RAM!!
mailto:[email protected]
SILENT AUCTION &
DOOR PRIZES
RAM TRAINING CONFERENCE
Conference Attendees Only
Thursday, 08/28/14
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The Hilton Jackson—Salon ABC
Free Appetizers & Cash Bar
April 28, 2014, devastating E4 tornado hits Louisville and E3 hits
Tupelo, Rankin, Jones and Scott counties. E2’s reported in Lowndes &
Newton counties with an E1 in reported in Hinds county
Members helped out in various ways to provide relief to these areas~
District II helps out by donating
Madison hosted a carnival complete
with a dunking booth and red beans
and rice cooking contest
Page 7 T H E R A M B L E R
District IV fundraiser activities~ Before & After Shots
_____________MEMO_____________
Date: June 3, 2014
To: District 7 and MDRS Family
From: Sandra Sanders, District Manager
It is times like this that I am proud to say that I am a part of the MDRS Family. Not only do we work hard to service others in need, we serve
our own as well. This fundraiser means more to me because one of my very own team members were affected by this natural disaster and it
warms my heart to see us pull together and support her and others. I just wanted to say “Thank You” to all that gave, and all that wanted to
give, but did not have. I hope you all are truly blessed because you have truly blessed someone else.
As I write this, a book that I once read comes to mind. Rebecca Solnit’s A Paradise Built in Hell: The Extraordinary Communities That Arise
in Disaster (2009). In this she writes:
“The word emergency comes from emerge, to rise out of....An emergency is a separation from the familiar, a sudden emergence into a new
atmosphere, one that often demands we ourselves rise to the occasion. Catastrophe comes from the Greek kata, or down, and streiphen, or turn-
ing over. It means an upset of what is expected....The word disaster comes from the Latin compound of dis-, or away, without, and astro, star or
planet; literally without a star.”
I would like to say, we truly rose to the occasion and we delivered, so that someone else can rest easy knowing that their needs will be taken
care of, knowing that they will have another day to fight, and when it is all over, know that they are loved.
Thank you, not only to District 7 but to all that contributed to this one common goal.
Sandra Sanders Sandra Sanders
District 7 Manager
Regarding: Disaster Relief Fund – District 7
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.bellshoals.com/uploads/DisasterReliefLogo_Web.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.bellshoals.com/relief&h=230&w=550&tbnid=Msh0nspwjpkDvM:&zoom=1&docid=-9FBP68Ykl-GqM&ei=cQWOU_rnH8yMqgaIvoLgCQ&tbm=isch&ved=0CFsQMyhTMFM4rAI&i
Introducing our RAM Candidates 2015 President (2 year term) Donny Frazier
Anita Naik
2016 President ( 3 year term) Shella Head
Gaylin Matthews
Secretary (3 year term) Mylinda Dempsey
Pam Hall
Treasurer (3 year term) Betsy Simoneaux
Darrell Vaughn
Board Member (one year term) Kim Ratliff
Patti Rayner
Board Member 2015-2017 (choose 3)
Janet Darden Michelle Langford Susan Smith-Patterson
Donna Dungan Melanie McClain Mary Ushi
Program Coordinator for Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
Began my career as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor more than 12 years ago
Active member of the Rehabilitation Association of Mississippi (RAM)
Current RAM Treasurer (2012-2014)
Former RAM Board member
Worked on various committees within RAM including Special Fundraising Projects and
Exhibits
Past RAM committee chairperson for Publicity and Newsletter
Active member of the National Rehabilitation Association (NRA)
Founding member and Current Board member of the NRA Transition Specialties Division
LEADRS graduate, 2004
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor
I enjoy working with youth and adults to help them achieve their goals. This is especially satisfying when they realize success can be attained despite having
an impairment or a disability.
Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears:
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you.
Hi, I'm ANITA NAIK and I am proud to be employed by MDRS. As I
meet with my fellow RAM members, I'm commonly asked why I have
decided to run for President.
Quite simply, I feel that RAM will benefit from a New Leader, New
Vision and New Direction for TEAM Together Everyone Achieves More.
As you know changes in the Rehabilitation Act are looming over us so as
a member of RAM my goal is to advocate for the rights of people with
disabilities to live in the community and work in the job of their choice.
My passion is to serve individuals with disabilities no matter what the out-
come and what better way to accomplish that than through RAM. I am also enrolled in the National Rehabilitation
Leadership Institute (NRLI) which has offered me the opportunity to enhance my knowledge, skills and understand-
ing to meet the constantly changing requirements and standards in the field of vocational rehabilitation.
I believe that things can always be better, and through TEAM we will have a bigger voice. No, I Don't Hear Voices
(ha), I just want to be YOUR VOICE.
My name is Shella M. Head and I am asking for your support as I run for RAM President-Elect. I am
married to Darnell Head, Sr., and we are the proud parents of four great young men: Staff Sgt. Erik
M. Head, a Purple Heart recipient (Army), Staff Sgt. Darnell Head Jr. (Air Force), Airman 1st Class
Rufus E. Head, (Air Force) and Robert Head, Occupational Diploma received in May, 2013.
As the mother of a special needs child, I learned firsthand the process for advocating for individuals
with disabilities. My career with MDRS is centered with this basic principle in mind; at all times, I
am focused on the mission of doing what is best for the clients that we serve.
My personality type is (ESTJ) which means I live in a world of facts and concrete needs. I strive to
make sure programs and projects are running smoothly and systematically.
I began my career with Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) in November, 2002 after nearly twenty-five years of manage-
ment experience in the private sector. My experience includes the following:
Work Experience:
Counselor, Greenwood, MS
District and Regional Manager, Greenwood, MS
Director of Field Services, Madison Office
Awards and Certifications:
2007 MDRS Leadership Award in District #3
Class of 2009, State Executive Development Institute, SEDI, (MSU)
2011 LEADRS Graduate, Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
Currently enrolled in the Certified Public Managers (CPM) Program Club
If elected as your next President-Elect of RAM, I pledge to be an all-inclusive advocate
whose voice represents the Rehabilitation Association of Mississippi family, as well as,
all Mississippians with disabilities.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I would be delighted to have your support in this election.
Professional Organizations
2010-2012, RAM Board Member
2010 President, Mississippi Association of Independent Living (MAIL)
2011 President, National Association of
Independent Living (NAIL)
Other Community Service
Alderwoman for the City of Tchula, July 2000 to December 2005.
Volunteer Youth Mentor August 2012-May 2014: Treasurer, S.V. Marshall
High School Athletic Booster Club
Hello, my name is Gaylin Matthews, and I am running for the Rehabilitation Association of Mississippi 2016 President- Elect. I am naïve of
Greenwood, MS, and I have worked for the state of Mississippi for nearly 16 years. During my service with the state of Mississippi, I have
had the privilege and honor to service individuals with disabilities in many capacities. I started my career with the state in 1998 as a
history teacher for the Leflore County School District. In 1999, I joined the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MSP) team as a Corr-
Clinical Coordinator for the Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Treatment /Pre-Release Program. I continue my career in Alcohol and Drug
rehabilitation counseling until 2006 when I joined the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services family as a Transition Counselor.
Currently, I have the honor of being a service to individuals with disabilities and my fellow co-workers as the Office of Vocational Rehabili-
tation Services/District III Manager. I have earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Public Administration, a Master’s of Science in Criminal
Justice, and a Masters of Art in Counseling. In addition, I have participated in the Certified Public Manager program through the Missis-
sippi State Personnel Board, and completed the 2012 LEADRS class through the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services. In
2007, I joined the National Rehabilitation Association (NRA) Mississippi Chapter; the Rehabilitation Association of Mississippi (RAM).
While serving as member of RAM, I joined the Mississippi Chapter of the National Rehabilitation Counselors and Educators Association
(MRCEA); where I served as the 2012 MRCEA President. Currently, I am a RAM board member, and I have served on the RAM awards
committee for the past 3 years. I joined RAM, because I discovered that it is an organization that
supports both the professional development and personal independence of individuals with disa-
bilities. For its members, RAM provides networking opportunities with other rehabilitation profes-
sionals, leadership development and skills building, along with participating in various community
service activities. If elected to serve as the 2016 RAM President-Elect, I will be dedicated to ensur-
ing that the Rehabilitation Association of Mississippi(RAM) continues to provide these services to
both individuals with disabilities and its members. So on August 28, 2014; please show your sup-
port by voting for me, Gaylin Matthews, for the 2016 RAM President-Elect.
Hello, my name is Mylinda Dempsey and it is an honor to be nominated for RAM
secretary. I joined MDRS September 5, 2005 working for Bob McDonald as his
assistant in Job Development and Placement Services. January 1, 2007, I joined the
M-PIC team as a Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC) serving 23
counties. To become a CWIC I had to complete extensive Social Security Admin-
istration (SSA) training to be able to provide services to individuals that were re-
ceiving disability benefits. I received my SSA certification March of 2007. Janu-
ary 2009, I received the award for Client Support Employee of the Year award for
2008. I worked as a CWIC for 6 years. During my 6 years as a CWIC, I discov-
ered there is no greater joy than being able to help individuals with disabili-
ties.
July1, 2012, I transferred to OSDP as a Payroll Verification Coordinator. I verify payroll for the personal care attend-
ants, process unemployment claims, and coordinate training for the personal care attendants and special projects as as-
signed.
I joined RAM in 2009. January 2013, I received the Madison Office 2013 Esprit de Corps Award. Also, January 2013,
I received the President’s Award. I am currently serving as the Treasurer for Mississippi Association for Independent
Living (M.A.I.L.). I have been involved in many community service projects and I have served on several church com-
mittees.
I am married to Lamar Dempsey (35 years) and we have 3 boys and 3 grandchildren. I love to sew, crochet, and put
puzzles together. I enjoy walking my little yorkie, Mitzi.
Hello, my name is Pam Hall, and I am truly honored and delighted to be nominated for
the position of RAM secretary. I have been employed with MDRS for the past 25 years.
I hold a Master’s degree from Mississippi State University in Rehabilitation Counseling
and am a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. I enjoyed working in direct client service
positions for over 23 years as both a counselor and evaluator.
Currently, I work as a Program Coordinator in the state office where my job duties in-
clude working with the Regional Training Teams and coordinating updates to the OVR/
OVRB Resource Guide and Policy and Procedure manuals.
I have been a NRA/RAM member for 15 years and have previously served as RAM
awards chairman.
I am actively involved in church and community activities and was selected Parent of the Year for South Jones High
School in 2013. I have been married to my husband, Kelvin, for 25 years and we have one son, Nicholas, who will
soon begin his sophomore year at Mississippi College.
If elected, I will work diligently to promote ethical and state-of-the-art practices in the field of rehabilitation.
“Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civi-
lization work.”- Vince Lombardi
Hi, my name is Betsy Simoneaux and I have been nominated to run for the office of
Treasurer for RAM. I consider it an honor to be asked to run and ask for your support in
this endeavor. Having been a member of RAM for over five years, I have worked regis-
trations at RAM, SERNRA and SERID Conferences. I have served as Community Ser-
vice Committee Chairman for two years and have facilitated at RAM for three years.
Education
Certified Public Manger – Level 1 Spring 2014
Basic Supervisory Course – Completed Summer 2013
LEADRS – graduated in 2012
Administrative Support Certified Program – graduated in 2008
Bachelor of Business Administration – Mississippi State University
Work Experience
OVR – Program Coordinator – Ticket to Work Coordinator and State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) Liaison;
OVR –VR Director Executive Assistant for 6 years;
Director of Client Services Assistant for 5 years;
OVRB – Interim Executive Assistant for 1 year
12 years in State Government, 11 with MDRS
15 years in the Banking Industry advancing to Assistant Branch Manager
Community Experience
Served as Boy Scout Den Leader
Church Ladies Auxiliary – President and Treasurer - 2 years each
Volunteered on SMCSO Soccer Board – 3 years
Served as Treasurer, Vice President and President for several college and community organizations including Marketing Fraternity Pi Sigma Epsilon
I would appreciate your vote to serve as
Your Treasurer for RAM.
I will continue to work to the best of my abilities to support the foundations on which RAM stands; to assist citizens
Mississippi with disabilities.
Bio: Darrell J. Vaughn
From: Laurel, MS
Education: B.S. Accounting, Jackson State University; Cum Laude.
Work Experience: 27 ¼ years serving as Comptroller for AbilityWorks,
Inc. (formerly Allied Enterprises of MS, Inc.)
Marital Status/Family: Single, Son (Darrell J. Vaughn, II), Daugh-
ter (Amber D. Vaughn, CPA in Atlanta, GA)
Past RAM Treasurer;
Organization Affiliation: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (Spr.’02)
Janet Darden is a native of Vicksburg, MS. Her parents are Mary and Harvey the
latter of whom is deceased. Janet was accompanied in this world by an identical
twin sister named Jeanette who passed a few weeks after birth. Janet did not
grow up lonely. She grew up in a loving household with four brothers and four
sisters. Janet graduated from Warren Central High School in 1979. She then
graduated from Utica Jr. College in 1981 with an A.A. Degree in Sociology/
Social Welfare. Upon her matriculation from Utica Jr. College, Janet accepted an
academic scholarship to attend Jackson State University. It was here that she
obtained her B.S. in Social Work in 1983. Janet’s thirst for knowledge, and moti-
vation to excel academically earned her a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Jackson State University in
1985 as a Magna Cum Laude graduate.
Upon graduation Janet began working in her hometown for Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS)
during May 1985. She is still currently working diligently in that same capacity.
Janet is the proud parent of two wonderful daughters, Brittany and Erica. In addition, she is also a “doggy mom” to
Robbie and Xena, two sibling bullmastiffs.
She is an active member of her church home, New Zion M.B. Church, where she worships in Spirit and in Truth.
Janet is avid sports fan, and her hobbies include watching baseball, tennis, basketball, football, soccer, and golf. She also
thoroughly enjoys fishing as she finds this very relaxing. Janet also enjoys listening to country music and spending time
with family and friends.
Janet has received numerous awards, but the awards that are most dear to her heart are the Case of the Year Award (Area
Award) and the Case of the Year (State Award) on January 18, 1989. Janet takes great pride in serving Mississippians
with disabilities to assist them with reaching their maximum potential. Her motto is, “If I can be of service, then let me
serve.”
Hi, my name is Donna Dungan and I am honored to be running for RAM Board Member in this year’s election. Upon
arriving at MDRS 5 ½ years ago, I immediately joined RAM and became an active member of our Association. I have
assisted in several RAM fundraising activities as well as being a Conference Facilitator. In 2011, I was a SERNA dele-
gate as well as the Scholarship Selection Committee Co-Chair. In addition to RAM
activities, I have served as the 2010 Secretary of the newly established M.A.I.L. (MS
Association for Independent Living) Division of RAM and then held the Treasurer po-
sition for the next 4 years. In 2012, I became President-Elect of N.A.I.L. (National
Association for Independent Living) and subsequently served as President this past
year.
A graduate of Louisiana State University, my work experience includes over 9 years in
Assisted Living prior to joining the MDRS – OSDP team. Being a graduate of the
2011 MDRS LEADRS class has afforded me the opportunity to work well with other
MDRS employees and toward the common goal of helping all Mississippians with dis-
abilities. If elected to represent you as your RAM Board Member, I would strive to
promote the mission of RAM with integrity and enthusiasm
– I ask for your vote!
“Serving you makes me smile”
Hello, my name is Michele Langford and I am running for RAM Board member 2014. I
have been working at MDRS since 2005. I work at the Madison office in the Finance De-
partment, serving as the Systems Administrator for AbilityWorks Finance. My first job out
of college was working for MS Easter Seals as the Services Coordinator where I directed
the Low Vision, Camp, and Services programs. I worked at the annual Telethon raising
money for Easter Seals. Before coming to work at MDRS, I worked in the private sector for
SkyTel and MCI/WorldCom.
I graduated from Mississippi State University in 1990 earning a degree in Business Administration. I graduated from
Mississippi College in 1996 with a MBA. I am a RAM member and currently enrolled in the Mississippi Certified
Public Manager program. I have served on social, birthday, and fundraiser committees at school, work, and church.
Fundraising efforts have included Easter Seals, Muscular Dystrophy Association, MS Arthritis Foundation, United
Way, Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief, and Tornado Disaster Relief.
I am passionate about serving Mississippians with disabilities. I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age
of 21. While there have been challenges along the way, I am so blessed to work at MDRS and so thankful for the op-
portunity to work at an agency which has a direct impact on serving Mississippians with disabilities. I have a volun-
teerism spirit and will be dedicated in my service as a RAM Board member. If elected, I would be honored to serve on
the RAM Board, as “serving you makes me smile.”
Thank you for your support!
Melanie Hames McClain began her career with the Mississippi Department of
Rehabilitation Services as an OSDP Counselor in 2003. In 2010, she was promoted to
OSDP District Manager in Greenwood, MS. In 2013 she advanced to the OSDP
Region II Manager and is currently serving in that capacity. Melanie manages District
III and IV who serve well over 800 + clients to assist with keeping individuals in
Mississippi independent in their homes and communities. She enjoys the
personal satisfaction of assisting individuals with disabilities and making a
difference in their lives.
Melanie earned her Bachelors from Mississippi State University, and was very
active in campus activities. Melanie and her husband, Chris, have two children,
Chamberlain (8 years) and Mary Hames (2 years).
Out-side of work she enjoys spending time with her family on their farm. She also enjoys photography, painting, and
attending her son’s athletic events.
Melanie is a member of the National Rehabilitation Association and the National Association for Independent Living.
Melanie was also recognized in 2013 for the Mail Spotlight Award.
Hello fellow RAM members! My name is Susan Smith-Patterson (also known to many as SSP :))
and I am asking for your support in the upcoming election. I am nominated for one of the 3 vacant
Board Member positions and would be honored if you would cast one of your votes for me! I have
been with MDRS since 2002 in the Information Technology Department at the Madison office
where I work as part of the Application Development team. I completed the LEADRS program in
2011, joined RAM in 2013, and was awarded the Southeast Region National Rehabilitation Asso-
ciation (SERNRA) James Searcy Rising Star award in 2014.
Volunteering is my passion and I have done so in some capacity since I was in high school. With
MDRS I have served as chairperson for several fundraisers including the Diabetes Foundation of
Mississippi fundraiser in 2010 which raised more than $9,000 and helped organize last years’ silent auction at RAM.
Pet Therapy is another one of the ways I volunteer. I take my certified therapy dogs to nursing homes, hospitals, and
other institutions to visit with patients; schools and libraries for reading programs; and work with children with autism. I
have also served as a mentor to high school students that did their senior project on pet therapy and have been selected
as one of the Top 100 Volunteers by the City of Madison in 2006 for my pet therapy work. It is truly amazing to see
the joy that a loving dog can bring people even in the direst situations. I am truly blessed to be able to experience the
happiness pet therapy can bring to people.
I am honored and humbled to have been nominated alongside the other amazing candidates on this years’ ballot. It takes
hard work and dedication from every one to keep the Rehabilitation Association of MS running smoothly and I am not
afraid to go above and beyond to make sure that happens. Please know that I am here to work for you and serve our
current and potential members, this agency, and Mississippians with disabilities in any way I am needed! Vote for me,
SSP!!
I am Mary Ushi, Facility Manager of AbilityWorks of Greenwood. I have worked for
our Agency for 25 years and have enjoyed every minute of it. I began my career with
MDRS as an Evaluator in Greenwood. I later became Facility Manager in the year
2000. I received a Master’s Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling in 1982
from Jackson State University.
I have been very fortunate working with this Agency in that I have grown in
knowledge and experience. I have participated in Leadrs and Supervisory Trainings
many times.
Lastly, my passion is working with people who have disabilities, nothing is more re-
warding to me than when a client returns to me to say “Thank you for helping me”, and then I know I am doing what I
was destined to do.
It is an honor for me to be nominated for Board member for RAM. I humbly ask for your support and I will do my best
to serve you, MDRS and people with disabilities.
For those who I have not had the pleasure of meeting directly and have only met you via email as the “benefits verifica-
tion person”, I am Patti R. Rayner. I have accepted the nomination to run as RAM Board Member for the vacant one
year term. I have been employed with the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services since January 2003. I start-
ed as an Administrative Assistant within the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind as the Administrative As-
sistant to Janice Trexler, North Regional Manager. Beginning in August 2008 through March 2012, I was the Ticket/
Cost Reimbursement Coordinator. Because of my tenacious drive and dedication I was able to secure over $5,000,000
in federal dollars for MDRS. During this period of time, I received my certification as a Community Work Incentive
Coordinator (CWIC). In April 2012, I was promoted to be the Administrative Assistant to LaVonda Hart, OVR Director
of Client Services. If you vote for me and I am elected RAM Board Member, I will serve RAM with the same tenacity,
initiative and drive as I have done in every position I have been in with MDRS.
A VOTE FOR PATTI IS A VOTE FOR VISION
Greetings RAM Community! My name is Kim Ratliff and I am excited to announce my candidacy for RAM
Board Member-At-Large! I graduated from Jackson State University and hold a Bachelor’s degree in Profes-
sional Interdisciplinary Studies. I have been employed with the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Ser-
vices (MDRS)/Office of Special Disability Programs (OSDP) for eleven years. During this time, MDRS has
presented me with great opportunities to serve and promote its mission, including graduating from the 2011
MDRS LEADRS Program and completing the Basic Supervisory Course in 2012. MDRS has equipped me with
the knowledge, skills, and ability to think strategically and foster team development within the workforce. After
joining NRA/RAM in 2009, I have been honored to serve in multiple capacities, at different levels to include:
•MAIL Past President 2014/ President 2013/ President-Elect 2012
•MAIL Nominations Chair 2014
•MAIL Newsletter Editor 2014, 2013
•MAIL Representative to the RAM Board 2013
•RAM Conference Facilitator 2013
•RAM Fundraising Committee 2013
My recognitions and awards include: Selected as 1 of 5 individuals in Mississippi to participate in the NRA/SERNRA Leadership Mentoring Pro-
ject 2014, RAM President’s Award 2013, Ramster of the Year 2012, and RAM Membership Contest Winner for 2011 and 2010.
My active involvement in RAM has provided me with the avenue for professional growth and development of my leadership skills. In addition, it
has provided me the opportunity to get to know you, the professionals that make this organization the great institution it is. Working with other
leaders has inspired me to further promote the mission of RAM by fostering team commitment, spirit, and pride in our organization.
If elected, I pledge to provide ideas that will support and promote growth in our organization and to further achieve our goal of advancing rehabili-
tation to all persons with disabilities. I humbly ask for your vote as RAM Board Member-At-Large (2015).
•RAM Door Prize Committee 2012
•MAIL Membership Chair 2013, 2012, 2011
•SERNRA Delegate 2013
•NAIL Secretary 2013, 2012
The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his
work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his
information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly
knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at
whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or
playing.
To him he is always doing both.
For those who I have not had the pleasure of meeting directly and have only met you via email as the “benefits verifica-
tion person”, I am Patti R. Rayner. I have accepted the nomination to run as RAM Board Member for the vacant one
year term. I have been employed with the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services since January 2003. I start-
ed as an Administrative Assistant within the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind as the Administrative As-
sistant to Janice Trexler, North Regional Manager. Beginning in August 2008 through March 2012, I was the Ticket/
Cost Reimbursement Coordinator. Because of my tenacious drive and dedication I was able to secure over $5,000,000
in federal dollars for MDRS. During this period of time, I received my certification as a Community Work Incentive
Coordinator (CWIC). In April 2012, I was promoted to be the Administrative Assistant to LaVonda Hart, OVR Director
of Client Services. If you vote for me and I am elected RAM Board Member, I will serve RAM with the same tenacity,
initiative and drive as I have done in every position I have been in with MDRS.
A VOTE FOR PATTI IS A VOTE FOR VISION
Page 18 T H E R A M B L E R
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Page 19 A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 V O L U M E 7 , I S S U E 3
President Cindy Goodin
President-Elect Vacant
Immediate Past President LaVonda Hart
Treasurer Donny Frazier
Secretary Anita Naik
Term Expires 2014 Term Expires 2015 Term Expires 2016
Tommy Burnham Delinda Armstrong Carolyn Mack
Jo Ann Crudup Gaylin Matthews Valerie Buckley
Allison Lowther Vacant Carol “Sissy” Elrod
Board Members
2014 RAM Standing Committee Chairs
Awards Gaylin Matthews [email protected]
Program Jo Ann Crudup, Cindy Smith & Mark Yeager [email protected]
Nomination LaVonda Hart [email protected]
Election and Credentials Tommy Burnham [email protected]
CRC and CEU Lou Ellen McDonald [email protected]
Membership Dottie Blansett [email protected]
Necrology Jolynn Hall [email protected]
Constitution and Bylaws Vicki Burton [email protected]
2014 RAM Special Committee Chairs
2014 RAM Officers
Legislative Vacant
Exhibits Carolyn Mack [email protected] 662-453-2270
Registration Brandi Kennedy [email protected] 601-853-5404
Door Prizes Valerie Buckley [email protected] 662-234-2723
Service Awards Carol “Sissy” Elrod [email protected] 601-853-5351
Newsletter and Publicity Cindy Smith [email protected] 662-324-5445
Social Functions Leslie Shake & Kim O’Bryant [email protected] 662-455-4332
Community Service Jo Ann Crudup [email protected] 601-853-5437
Special Fundraising Project Delinda Armstrong & Donny Frazier [email protected] 601-853-5329
Golf Tournament Chris Walker [email protected] 228-575-4065
Conference Facilitators Patti Rayner [email protected] 601-425-7115
Conference Program Book MS Prison Industries
Audio/Visual/AT Denee Smith [email protected] 601-853-5310
MAIL Representative to RAM Board Angela Eley, President [email protected] 601-833-5806
MRCEA Representative to RAM Board Gwen Smith, President [email protected] 601-853-3231
RAM Representative to SERNRA Board Brandi Kennedy [email protected] 601-853-5404
