About Mid-Missouri Supported Living
Mid-Missouri Supported Living is located in Columbia Missouri, and provides services in Boone County.
Mid-Missouri Supported Living is a leading provider of services for individuals with disabilities.
Our mission is to help our clients live their most independent and fulfilling lives in the community.
At Mid-Missouri Supported Living, we believe in empowering our clients to make their own choices and decisions, and to participate fully in the community.
Our Residential Services are structured and supervised activities and programs that are developed with the individuals’ needs and desires in mind.
Our Residential In-Home Services enable our clients to live in their own beautiful homes or in a family setting, while receiving the support and life skills they need to live independently.
Meet The Team
Our highly trained staff are dedicated to teaching, modeling, encouraging, assisting, advocating, and supporting our clients every step of the way. We offer a range of services to help our clients develop the skills, confidence, and independence they need to thrive.
Robert Palmer
Owner
Robert Palmer is an experienced Registered Nurse and also owner of Palmer’s Home Care, LLC, a leading provider of disability services in the Mid-Missouri area.
With over 243 employees, Palmer’s supports more than 82 individuals in Individualized Supported Living homes and Shared Living and more than 88 individuals in Day Habilitation Services.
Robert has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Central Methodist University and a wealth of experience in the field, including as a Unit Manager for adult and child/adolescent psychiatric units, a Director of Nursing at the Missouri State Penitentiary, and the Director of Health Services at Woodhaven, where he chaired the Health and Safety Committee, performed community RN services, and prepared the agency for CARF accreditation. At Palmer’s, Robert manages budgets, billing, payroll, hiring, and quality assurance checks, and has received high praise from clients, guardians, and employees based on satisfaction surveys.
If you or a loved one are in need of top-quality disability services, look no further than Mid-Missouri Supported Living.
Jim Bailey
DPM
Jim Bailey, Degreed Professional Manager for Mid-Missouri Supported Living, is an experienced manager with several years of ISL program management experience, and over 20 years of overall personnel management experience.
Jim attended the University of Missouri-Columbia and is a graduate of the Yang-Tan Institute of Employment and Disability through Cornell University. The father of a child who has autism, Jim and his spouse are founding members of the Columbia, MO school district’s Special Needs Parent-Teachers Association.
Dana Harris
Director of Human Resources
Dana Harris is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in Human Resources, management, and I/DD programming. She holds a degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Throughout her career, she has worked with various underserved populations, including individuals who were incarcerated, unhoused, medically fragile, and individuals with I/DD. Dana is skilled in employee management and development, policy development, benefits and leave management, and has many years of experience conducting training facilitation over various topics including NTG’s Dementia Capable Care of Adults with Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia as an Affiliated Regional Trainer.
Erica Young
Human Resources Administrative Assistant
Erica Young is Mid-Missouri Supported Living’s Human Resource Administrative Assistant. She has a wealth of experience working with various organizations in Columbia. Erica brings a solid educational foundation and a commitment to fostering growth and inclusivity at MMSL.
Originally from Columbia, Missouri, Erica obtained her B.A. in Psychology from Columbia College in December 2010. Recognizing the importance of continued learning, she pursued a master’s in education classes at Ashford University through their online program in 2012. Her dedication to expanding her knowledge demonstrates her personal and professional growth drive.
In 2014, Erica immersed herself in the school system, initially working as a substitute teacher before securing a permanent position at the high school, where she successfully managed and maintained accurate records of student attendance. Her commitment to education led her to earn a certificate in Spanish from Penn Foster, an esteemed and accredited institution in 2016. Eager to utilize her Spanish language skills, Erica ventured into teaching Intro to Conversational Spanish.
Before joining our team, Erica gained valuable experience working for the Auto Auction and Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance. Her diverse background showcases her adaptability and ability to thrive in different environments, with her vast skill set and extensive community involvement.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Erica is a proud parent to three children. She enjoys seeing her two oldest children following in her footsteps, who are currently employed with Columbia Public Schools, one as a teacher and the other as a Paraprofessional.
As a family, they share a deep appreciation for education and embrace the values of acceptance and inclusion.
Teri Stratton
Community Support Services Manager
For the past five years, Teri has specialized in independent living services, where she has played a crucial role in developing and managing programs that support individuals in achieving autonomy and improved quality of life. Her expertise in this field includes coordinating resources, designing individualized support plans, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and best practices.
In addition to their professional achievements, Teri is a dedicated mother to a child with autism, which has further honed her skills in resilience, empathy, and advocacy. She is also an active supporter of LGBTQ rights, championing inclusivity and equality both within and outside of her professional sphere.
Teri’s blend of managerial acumen, ISL experience and personal commitment to advocacy underscores a career marked by both achievement and purpose. Her ability to navigate complex challenges and drive positive change makes her a valuable asset to any organization.
Lisa Walker
Day Program Degreed Professional Manager
With over 30 years of dedicated experience in special education, Lisa has established herself as a tireless advocate for learners with diverse needs. Her expertise encompasses curriculum development, individualized learning strategies, social skills instruction, and behavior management.
Lisa holds a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from the University of Missouri–St. Louis, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix and has pursued advanced doctoral studies in Special Education Leadership at Capella University. As a seasoned Autism consultant, she has provided invaluable guidance to educators and families, fostering collaboration and implementing tailored, effective solutions for everyone.
Lisa is highly skilled in conducting Functional Behavior Assessments and is deeply committed to creating inclusive environments where individuals can thrive. In her current role as the Degreed Professional Manager for the Mid-Missouri Day Program, she plays an integral role in improving the quality of services and support for individuals with special needs.
As a parent to four children, including one with special needs, Lisa brings a deep personal understanding to her work. Her combined personal and professional experiences have shaped her reputation as a compassionate, dependable, and empathetic leader. She is celebrated for her ability to build meaningful connections, earn trust, and serve as a source of positivity and encouragement in every setting.
Lisa’s lifelong mission is to empower and uplift others, making a lasting impact in the lives of individuals, families, and communities through her dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to fostering growth and inclusion.