Our Staff
The Right People to Get the Job Done
Kimberly Barta
Director of Programs
Kimberly began her career at MHASM in July of 2010 as a Case Manager under a HUD project called Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing. When that project ended, she worked under a project for people affected by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill to provide Resiliency and Coping Skills. For the past few years, she has worked with clients in their transition from chronic homelessness. She is now the Director of Programs overseeing all services at Mental Health Association of South MS. Kim is also a certified Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) Facilitator. She holds Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work with Psychology and Interdisciplinary minors.
Nicole Bedsole
HUD Supportive Housing Case Manager
Nicole began volunteering in our drop in center in 2014 as an intern as she was completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Nicole is the HUD Supportive Housing Case Manager. She assists individuals who have a mental illness and are chronically homeless get into housing. By providing the support they need, she helps them in a journey toward independent living as they become self sufficient. She is a Certified Peer Support Specialists and a certified Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) Facilitator through The Copeland Center. She is a certified Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid Facilitator. She also participates in homeless outreach in south MS.
Danny Blanton
Forensic Peer Recovery Coach
Danny found a passion to help others with mental health issues after his own personal journey through recovery. A retired veteran with 25 years of service, he avoided treatment from the mental health issues that come from six overseas deployments, allowing the issues to lead to addiction that resulted in severe consequences. He has since dedicated his life to helping those who suffer from trauma and addiction. He became a Certified Peer Support Specialist in January 2024 and now works with the Forensic Recovery Program. Danny hopes that one day he will tell his story of how he overcame what he went through and it will be someone else’s survival guide.
Kay Daneault
Executive Director
Kay began as Executive Director in 2007. She directs the organization’s growth as it supports the community with compassion and integrity. Kay values input from others to help people exposed to mental health issues find their way to a healthy lifestyle. Prevention is also a key factor in working with the public to stay well in their home and work lives. Through an array of services, MHASM has helped many people to move forward in a positive manner for a better life. Kay is an Advanced Level Wellness Recovery Action Planning Facilitator and a certified Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid Facilitator. She has a MBA and is SHRM-SCP certified.
Levi Favre
Respite Peer Support Specialist
Levi is a certified peer support specialist, WRAP Facilitator, and integral member of multiple mental health support teams. Levi was previously a member of an ICORT team promoting mental health awareness and support initiatives. As part of the MHA Respite Team, he continues his commitment to creating safe and nurturing environments for individuals seeking respite and recovery. With a wealth of experience and a heart dedicated to helping others, Levi plays a vital role in providing care and guidance to those in need.Levi is a member of Veteransville giving support to other veterans.
John Higgins
Peer Recovery Coach Forensics
John began his quest for helping others in 2020, when he completed an inpatient program at Defining Wellness Inc. (DWI). John went on to do a student practicum at DWI, an internship at Urban Rehab Facilities, and became a counselor of a supervised living facility. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Jackson State University. In 2022 John began working at MHASM as a Peer Recovery Coach. He still works part time as a Certified Peer Support Specialist at Urban Rehab Facilities. John participates in conferences and seminars as the guest speaker telling his personal story of sobriety, resilience, and hope. Additionally, he serves as a board member for AMPSS.
Debra Jackson
Peer Recovery Coach Wellness
After some life changing experiences, Debra began her journey as a Certified Peer Support Specialist in 2022. She became a Certified Peer Bridger the following month and in January 2023, Debra started working for MHASM. She is a true team player and as a Peer Wellness Recovery Coach she takes pride in knowing she is able to be part of a change making team who she considers her newfound family. Her motto is “ I have 99 problems but coping isn’t one!” “It’s about letting people know it is ok to have a diagnosis and still live life to its fullest with no limitations or restrictions. I am not what they say or think I am; I am just me with or without a label I am still me!”
Natalie Moore
Peer Recovery Coach
Natalie began her career with MHASM in March of 2022 as a Peer Recovery Coach. She assists the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH) and the Association of Mississippi Peer Support Specialists (AMPSS) with employing, training, and supporting Peer Support Specialists across the state. Natalie is a Certified Peer Support Specialist, a Youth Mental Health First aid Facilitator and a Certified Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Facilitator. She believes her purpose in life is to help others regain control of their lives by highlighting their strengths and focusing on their unique definition of recovery.
Laykin Register
Peer Recovery Coach Peer Bridger
Laykin is a Certified Peer Support Specialist and Trained Peer Bridger. She began her career in mental health and wellness in January of 2019, moving into different positions over the years that led her to her role as Peer Recovery Coach for MHASM, although her favorite title is “Mama”. Laykin has served as a Young Adult CPSS working in foster care and juvenile justice systems, as well as Youth Engagement and Program Coordinator positions. She served as a CPSS Ambassador that helped develop and train the Young Adult Peer Support modules. Laykin has also participated in many conferences as a panelist, speaker, and facilitator.
John Seymour
Drop-In Assistant, Peer Support Specialist
John has been a peer support specialist since 2020. He came to work at the Mental Health Association in September of 2023. He currently works in the Opal Smith Drop-In Center where he facilitates groups and helps the members with challenges they might have. John and the other staff strive toward making the members feel confident and accepted. John also assists to get information about the Mental Health Association out to others by participating in community health fairs and other events to share more about the work. We try to be champions of mental health and wellness.
Bobbie Singletary
Outreach Case Manager
Bobbie began her journey helping people with all types of disabilities around 2004. At this time, Bobbie also did some Emergency Preparedness training and other events with The Mental Health Association which began her connection. In 2011, Bobbie partnered with her daughter, to help students through their Individualized Education Program to get what they needed to be able to learn in school. In 2023, Bobbie became an Outreach Case Manager with The Mental Health Association assisting people on the coast who are experiencing homelessness.
Patty Sinopoli
Program Assistant
Since July 2004, Patty has enjoyed different positions at MHASM. Originally Patty worked in the Drop In Center and still assists in that program scheduling weekly speakers. She has been Assistant to the Executive Director, and is now our Receptionist. Patty greets everyone with enthusiasm and a genuine caring attitude. She is very efficient in assisting people to find the resources they need in our community, and she was among the first Certified Peer Support Specialists in the state. Since its inception, Patty has been instrumental on the planning committee for Project Homeless Connect and our annual “Don’t Worry Be Happy” fundraiser.
Beth Williamson
Accounting Manager
Beth Williamson comes to MHASM through 30+ years of experience in the Accounting field in multiple states, NY, FL, and MS. Finances are very important to any organization, but as a non-profit we want to be the best stewards of the money we receive through grants and donations. Beth is proficient and dedicated to making sure everything is correct and transparent. She raised three children as a single parent. Her children are grown and now she is helping her parents. Beth says, “family is very important to me, I am very lucky to still have my parents around, and we all help take care of each other.”
Melody Worsham
Certified Peer Support Specialist & WRAP Facilitator
Melody joined us in November of 2011 to help coordinate the Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) workshops MHASM was hosting in south MS for people affected by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. She is a certified WRAP Facilitator. She was in the first class of Certified Peer Support Specialists trained through MS Department of Mental Health. She also provides Peer Support to clients across our programs. She is a founding member of the Association of MS Peer Support Specialists. Melody currently goes out into the community to provide two hour or less educational opportunities about mental health and wellness.