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

Julie Steinkamp

Executive Director (Interim)

Julie Steinkamp has been connected with the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville (DSAJ) for over 16 years as a volunteer, a family member served by the organization, and as a former officer on the DSAJ’s Board of Directors.  With a background in journalism, sales/marketing, management, and nonprofits, Julie’s career path includes time with Johnson & Johnson, Special Olympics Florida Northeast Region, North Florida School of Special Education, and The Golf Channel.  She has been married to her husband, Chuck, for over 20 years, and together they have a son, Luke, who has Down syndrome.  Julie always says that sometimes you find your “cause” in life and sometimes that “cause” finds you, and having Luke was the driving force in her ambition to ensure all individuals with Down syndrome are awarded every opportunity to succeed in life. " If you don’t have someone in your life with Down syndrome, what are you waiting for?"


julie.steinkamp@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

Maggie Bell

Director of Marketing and Communications

Margaret Bell is a 2023 graduate of the University of North Florida with a Bachelor of Science in communications with a concentration in public relations and a minor in disability services. During her time at UNF, she was the President (2023), VP Programming (2022), and VP of Social Standards (2021) for the Eta Delta chapter of Delta Gamma. She also served as the Supervisor of Elections (2023) in Student Government and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Margaret's commitment to the DS community began in high school when she led the "Spread the Word to End the Word" campaign. Her dedication to advocacy continued as she was elected President of the Best Buddies chapter and served as a Best Buddies Ambassador, where she traveled to the state capital to promote rights for individuals with Down syndrome. Furthermore, she was among the first students to participate in the "Peers for Partners" course and actively advocated for its implementation in schools throughout Palm Beach County. In January, she joined the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville as a staff member, furthering her passion for service in this industry.

maggie.bell@dsaj.org

Sammy Sicoli

Director of Programs

Samantha Sicoli graduated from Bartram Trail High School and went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Sciences from Florida State University. Growing up with a younger sister, Emma, who has Down Syndrome, Samantha developed a deep passion for working with the special needs community. This experience allowed her to become an integral part of the Down Syndrome community and appreciate the incredible individuals who make it so special. From a young age, Samantha was involved in events like the Buddy Walk and Special Olympics, participating as a supporter and volunteer. Seeing the world through her sister’s eyes opened her heart and mind to the unique possibilities within this community, fueling her desire to ensure they receive the love and support they deserve. Emma’s presence in her life has been a true gift, inspiring Samantha to give back to the community that so warmly welcomed her family and continues to make Emma feel like the extraordinary person she is.

sammy.sicoli@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 20+ years, Dr. Sarah Patterson, and their two 15-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

  • Chad Martin is 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

    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.

  • 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.