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

Scott Fletcher, MBA

Chief Executive Officer

Scott C. Fletcher is a dynamic and accomplished executive with over 27 years of management experience, specializing in nonprofit leadership, operations, and business development. His extensive background in driving organizational growth, implementing innovative strategies, and fostering community engagement uniquely positions him for the role of CEO at the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville. Scott’s proven track record in nonprofit management, coupled with his passion for making a meaningful impact, aligns perfectly with DSAJ’s mission to create an inclusive and supportive community for individuals with Down syndrome.

Throughout his career, Scott has demonstrated exceptional skills in strategic planning, fundraising, and program development. As Executive Director of a synagogue and CEO of an air museum, he successfully led day-to-day operations, oversaw budgeting, and spearheaded fundraising efforts, fostering a sense of community and belonging among members. His experience in managing large-scale events showcases his ability to organize impactful fundraising initiatives. Scott’s expertise in nonprofit management includes developing youth engagement programs and volunteer recruitment strategies.

Scott’s leadership style emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and empowerment. His experience in working closely with boards of directors, cultivating donor relationships, and. engaging with community stakeholders will be invaluable in advancing DSAJ’s mission. With his MBA and strong foundation in business management, Scott brings a unique blend of business acumen and nonprofit expertise that will drive DSAJ’s growth and ensure its long-term sustainability in serving individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Having a sister with Down syndrome, Scott has a personal connection to the mission and a deep understanding of the challenges and joys faced by families in the Down syndrome community.


scott.fletcher@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 Walter has over 10 years of executive sports experience, from the Premier League to professional soccer in the US. Named the Jacksonville Armada FC Club President and General Manager in October 2017, Walter has been with the Jacksonville Armada FC since the club's inception, in 2013. Walter originally served as the Director of Soccer, for Sunshine Soccer Agency, the holding corporation of the Armada. He transitioned to the role of Director of Soccer Operations in 2014 once the club began its official North American Soccer League (NASL) operations. Walter was promoted to the club's sporting director in August 2016, and again in 2017 as President and General Manager to oversee both the business and sporting operations of the Jacksonville Armada.

    For the past 7 years, Walter has been on the executive management team of Robert Palmer companies, a fully vertical billion-dollar real estate transaction corporation with multiple entities in funding, brokerage, title, and real estate technology.

    Walter began his playing career with Northampton Town in the English Football League One. He went on to represent English schools’ boys, through Northamptonshire County Schools at U16 and U18 levels. It was during this period Walter earned his UEFA coaching badges.

    In 2007, Walter played semi-professional soccer in England while working at English Premier League club West Bromwich Albion FC. Walter was an area manager, overseeing programming, development centers, in addition to serving as an academy scout and academy head coach. After four years with the Baggies, Walter moved to the United States in 2011 with Major League Soccer, before moving on to Global Premier Soccer.

    Where he oversaw programming across Florida, and the School of Excellence program in Northeast Florida.

    Walter is a regional board member and secretary of the board for the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL).

    Walter is also the board president of the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville, a member of the board of directors, for the Jacksonville Chamber of commerce, and an honoree of the “40 under 40” with the Jacksonville Business Journal.

  • 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

    Stefanie Harrell has over 20 years of process design experience in the financial industry. Stefanie moved to Jacksonville in the summer of 2006 from Edmond, Oklahoma. She is an alumnus of the University of Oklahoma. She is a momma to a 9-year-old daughter. Upon relocation to the Jacksonville area, she quickly looked to engage within her community while she got to know people. The Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville was the first place she called.

    Prior to moving to Florida Stefanie was a volunteer with the Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma, where she got involved after her cousin Addison was born. Fast forward eight years and a cousin on the opposite side of the family also welcomed a new addition withDown syndrome.

    Stefanie and her daughter have been active members and volunteers of the association for the past 20+ years. She has been a proud member of the board, holding various positions and participating on committees since 2014.

  • 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.