Staff

Project Director Jamie Tucker has been serving as Director of Project START for 4 years. She’s been with MDRS for 19 years working in different capacities and enjoys educating others on the world of disabilities. In her former role as a Rehabilitation Technologist, she went out into the field to visit clients in order to assess their needs for home modifications, vehicle modifications, activities of daily living, computer needs, seating and mobility, and environmental control units.
Rehab Specialist William H. Smith has over 23 years’ experience in the healthcare industry and has a wealth of knowledge in the repair and refurbishment of durable medical equipment. William oversees our recycling program. He ensures the devices are refurbished, cleaned, sanitized and meet industry standards before they are passed on the consumers. His years of experience allow him the ability to match the needs of the consumer with the proper equipment.
Loan Program Coordinator Kristy C. Cook - Kristy came aboard in March of 2019 where she resides over our loan library as well as attends events in the community, schools and with organizations to raise awareness to the AT Tech Act program here in MS. Kristy Cole Cook oversees the Loaner Program and Lending Library for Project START. She is responsible for determining which device is suitable for each client and make the public more aware of AT devices that we have available. Kristy’s goal is to match assistive technology devices to clients to enable them to live more independently in their communities. Prior to Project START Kristy worked for Administrative Services where she was responsible for assisting in the daily operations of the Madison State Office Complex.
Administrative Assistant Carmen Foster - Carmen is the Administrative Assistant to the Director of Project START. For over 16 years, she has served in various capacities throughout her tenure. Carmen started with DDS in 2003. She was promoted to the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services to serve the Office of Job Development in 2008. Carmen’s former role in OVR consisted of working with and supporting the VR Program Coordinators in various capacities from supporting Job Development, as well as growing with our Transition Services Program. Her support to the Transition Program Specialist catapulted into an expansive program involving Pre-Employment Transition Services and educational facilities which flourished into an impressive program statewide. Carmen’s support to these programs has demonstrated her passion and dedication to our agency’s programs and client services.