Project START’s Advisory Council meets quarterly the second Wednesday of February, May, August and November. Our fourteen member council is composed of individuals with disabilities, parents, spouses or guardians of persons with disabilities and representatives of state, local or private agencies or groups that provide assistance to persons with disabilities.
Current Advisory Council Members
Stacy Blackwell - Addie McBryde Center for the Blind, Chairperson
Lou Ann Cavett - State Educational Agency. MPH, OTR/L - Consultant and Direct Care
Ben Wagenknecht - Director of Deaf and Blind Services - Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services/Vocational Rehabilitation
Roger Bullock - LIFE (Living Independently for Everyone)
Chris Howard - MDRS Executive Director, Workforce Development (WIOA)
Patrina Pendarvis - Blind Enterprise Operator
Tremaine Nathan - Assistive Technologist
Evelyn Washington - West Tallahatchie School District and parent of a disabled child
Whitney Wallace, M.S., CCC-SLP - University of Mississippi Medical Center, Center for Advancement of Youth
Jesse Connor - State Advocacy for IDD
Octavia Carson - Advocacy for the Blind and AT User
Mary Katherine Burris - parent of disabled child
Bethany Jones - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
JD Burns - Talking Book Services | Mississippi Library Commission
Tommy Brown - Edwards, MS Alderman, Central MS Planning and Development District
*Openings available for consumers*