Mission

The Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville (DSAJ) is a non-profit organization committed to helping people with Down syndrome achieve their full potential and to creating a community that is educated, supportive and inclusive of individuals with Down syndrome.

Vision

We envision a community where all people with Down syndrome are actively included, given opportunities to participate and contribute as valued citizens, and have the choices to create their own paths to fulfillment and success.

About Us

The Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville (DSAJ) aims to support families as they navigate the journey for individuals with Down syndrome. The DSAJ offers support for each milestone of the lives of individuals with Down syndrome from educating the local hospitals on better ways to deliver a prenatal or post-natal diagnosis, to making sure new babies receive the therapies they need, to ensuring better and sustainable career paths.

 Our Dedicated Staff

Debbie Revels

Executive Director

Debbie is the Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville.  As a native to Jacksonville, Florida, she is one of the founding members of DSAJ and has been actively involved since its establishment in 1989. Debbie is a member of the National Down Syndrome Congress, National Down Syndrome Society Ambassador and serves on the Advisory Committee of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.  She is involved with numerous boards and committees representing the Down syndrome community throughout Jacksonville and across the nation. She is a trustee member of the JAX Chamber. She is passionate and enthusiastic about serving individuals with Down syndrome. Debbie has always received inspiration and hope from her family and her son Nick, who has Down syndrome. Debbie looks forward to the continued progress and achievements for all individuals with Down syndrome and to growing the acceptance and inclusion of these individuals within the community.

Please email Debbie if you questions concerning:

-Pre/post natal diagnosis

-Local/state resources

-Media Opportunities

debbie.revels@dsaj.org

Sarah Simmons

Director of Programs & Communications

Sarah Simmons is a graduate from the University of North Florida where she received her bachelor’s degree in Exceptional Student Education. After graduation, she was a Special Education teacher for four and a half years, where she had the privilege of working with students of varying ages and abilities. As a native of Jacksonville FL, she has had the opportunity to be a part of many local organizations that support individuals with intellectual differences, such as, working at the Student Accessibility Center at UNF, volunteering with Best Buddies, and being a part of Special Olympics. Her passion is to advocate, support, and educate individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and our community. 

Please email Sarah if you have questions concerning:

-Health/wellness programs

-Family Support

-Education Support

-Therapy/medical Referrals

sarah.simmons@dsaj.org

Peyton Major

Director of Employment Services

Peyton Major graduated with her Master’s degree in Exceptional Student Education and served as the Secretary for the Council of Exceptional Children at The Florida State University. Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Peyton developed a strong passion and love for all people with exceptionalities, especially those with Down syndrome. 

Please email Peyton if you have questions concerning:

-Vocational Rehabilitation

-Becoming an employer

-Job Placement/training

peyton.major@dsaj.org

Brooke Hays

Director of Development

Brooke was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. She graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from the University of North Florida. Upon graduation, she discovered her love for non-for-profit work with a local Jacksonville charity. Brooke has a passion for serving others and raising necessary funds for individuals with Down syndrome.

Please email Brooke if you have questions concerning:

-Fundraising Events (Buddy Walk, Light the Way Gala, Charity Golf Classic)

-Individual Giving

-Sponsorships

-Community Give Back Events

brooke.hays@dsaj.org

Maggie Bell

Marketing Specialist

Maggie Bell is a graduate of the University of North Florida where she received her bachelor’s degree in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Disability Services. During her time at UNF, she served as Delta Gamma’s chapter president and as Student Government’s Supervisor of Elections while interning at the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville. She has a passion for advocating and supporting those with Down syndrome.

Please email Maggie if you would like to share testimonies and/or pictures.

maggie.bell@dsaj.org

Reema Patel

Office Assistant

Reema is a Florida native born in Melbourne FL.  She has two older sisters who live in Atlanta. Reema has lived in North Florida since she was 14 and graduated from Yule High School. Reema continued her education and graduated as a part of the inaugural class of the DSAJ’s Career Solutions Academy in 2019. She enjoys dance, music, and movies. She also enjoys hanging out with her friends and family. 

 Board of Directors

  • President

    Nathan’s love for soccer brought him to Jacksonville, Florida, where he has been with the Jacksonville Armada FC since its inception in 2013. He now serves as the President and General Manager of the club, which is a member of the North American Soccer League. He has taken further responsibilities as the Chief Culture and Government Affairs Officer for RP Companies and the President role of their newest Sports Agency venture in eSports. Hard work, integrity, desire and passion are the key beliefs in Nathan’s everyday work. He carries a motivation to help others succeed and encourage individual growth. Which helps to develop a productive culture within all the organizations he is involved in.

  • Vice President

    Walt Quinn resides on the West Side of Jacksonville with his wife of 18 years, Dr. Sarah Patterson, and their two 12-year old twin boys, John & Colin. Walt's desire to volunteer at DSAJ stems from his son, Colin, who has Down syndrome. Walt graduated from Purdue University with a Business Degree and has been in the Medical Device industry for the last 25 years with companies like Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, & Abbott. He currently serves as Regional Sales Director for a medical start-up called BioSig Technologies.

  • Secretary

    Employed by Bank of America, Stefanie has been an active member of the association for the past 13 years. She began her term in February of 2014. She resides in Orange Park, FL

  • Public Relations

    Kristen joined the DSAJ board in 2018. She is employed by Daigle Creative as the VP of Operations and Public Relations. Kristen resides in Jacksonville, FL.

  • Inclusion Advocate

    Corey joined the DSAJ board in 2019. He is a Trial Attorney at Morgan & Morgan, P.A. and resides here in Jacksonville. Corey is extremely passionate about working with individuals with intellectual and developmental differences and plays a huge part of our Career Solutions Academy.

  • Media Specialist

    Lauren joined the DSAJ board in 2018. She is a Meteorologist at First Coast News in Jacksonville, FL. Lauren loves being able to use her platform and reporting skills to spread awareness and give back to DSAJ.

  • Parent Advocate & Outreach

    Susan is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a co-founder of East Coast Stepping Stones. Her passion is to help individuals with special needs through Applied Behavior Analysis. Susan resides in Jacksonville, FL.

  • Parent Advocate

    Amy has lived in Jacksonville for over 30 years. She is a Wife, mom, and Nurse Practitioner at Mayo Clinic. She joined the DSAJ in 2019 when her daughter Faith was born with a pre-natal diagnosis of Down syndrome. She is passionate about advocating and sharing knowledge about Down syndrome.

  • Parent Advocate

    Chad Martinis a Jacksonville native with two daughters, his youngest, Hazel, has Down Syndrome. He’s extremely devoted to supporting families as they navigate their journey with Down Syndrome. Chad is a sales manager for a chemical distribution company, with a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Florida.

  • Parent Advocate

    Chuck has over 25 years working in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry and currently works for Bayer® Pharmaceuticals. He has a passion for seeing everyone prosper and realize their full potential in life. He resides in Jacksonville with his wife Julie, and son Luke, with Down syndrome.

  • Parent Advocate

    Jack has been in the automotive industry for over 30 years currently serving as the General Manager of Nimnicht Buick GMC. He is a graduate of Bishop Kenny High School and Xavier University with a degree in Marketing. Jack also serves on the Board of Directors for the Jacksonville Auto Dealers Association. Jack is married to his wife Helen and they have three children together.

  • Parent Advocate

    Lesa received her Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Marketing from Jacksonville University in 1995. She has over 25 years’ experience working in sales & marketing for medical professional liability carriers. She has also managed corporate event planning communication efforts. She also serves as a committee member for the Baptist MD Anderson Golf Classic. In her downtime she enjoys spending time with family and friends and finding ways to give back to the community and those in need.

  • Teacher of Exceptional Student Education (ESE) for Duval County Public Schools

    Throughout my life, I cannot think of a time that I was not surrounded by or interacting with individuals that had varying differences, i.e., church, school, neighborhood, etc. As a member of the DSAJ’s Board I am able to advocate for this community, and look forward to continuing to do so. In my profession as a teacher of students with Down syndrome and other unique abilities, I can better support the community of parents and students inside and outside the classroom. I am passionate about, and advocate for, the inclusivity of all individuals in all social settings, but especially so in education. Overcoming challenges and celebrating every success (big and small) is why I love being a part of the DSAJ family.

  • Parent Advocate

    Ryan is a proud Jacksonville native. He is married to his beautiful wife Jennifer and they share four beautiful children together. Ryan is a proud graduate of Episcopal High School and the University of Florida. Ryan is a Senior Vice President at Raymond James Wealth Management. He is a Past President and Board Member of the Rotary International (Riverside), President of The Covenant School of Jacksonville, and serves as a Board Member for The Jacksonville Community Council, The Ronald McDonald House and Pine Castle. Ryan is married to his wife Jennifer.